Dario Gradi stated last week that someone's misfortune would present someone with a chance and that is exactly how it turned out for Joel Grant on Saturday. With Calvin Zola unfortunately ruled out with a knee problem, Dario handed Grant a recall to the starting XI for the visit of Barnet and the likeable winger grabbed it with both hands.

Grant who has struggled to cement a place in the starting line-up this season, scored a killer third goal just after half-time to virtually end the game as a contest. Crewe went on to score four more as they collected their first league points of the season.

Dario was pleased with Grant's reaction to beingleft out for the beginning of the campaign: "Joel did much better and that was a big plus for us. The goal will help him and it was a stunning strike from him. When he hit it I didn't expect it to go into the back of the net, but that is exactly where he intended to put it and I was pleased for him.

"Joel didn't have the best of pre-seasons. He didn't do as much work as the others and was playing catch-up with his fitness a bit because he was ill and missed a bit of training.

"I suppose he needed an upset in his football. One minute he was in the team and then he was out and struggling to get back in.

"It went from me saying he needed to be more consistent to not even starting games and the reaction from him is what I wanted. To be fair to Joel he hasn't moaned or groaned that he has been left out. He accepted it and has worked hard to get back in.

"I thought he deserved the chance to be the first one in again and now he has to show that he warrants a place."