Charlie Kirk hit a five-minute hat-trick as Crewe cruised to a 7-2 win at Kidsgrove Athletic this evening. Kirk hit his treble before the half an hour mark as Crewe enjoyed their first run out of pre-season at the Nouvus Ground. The impressive Harry Pickering created two of Kirk's goals and he was unfortunate not to get on the scoresheet himself after threatening the goal on a number of occasions. 

Chris Porter created the other for Kirk as well has opening his account for the club with two well taken goals in the run-out. 

George Cooper scored a splendid fourth goal and Tommy Lowery completed the scoring with a superb chipped seventh goal. 

Crewe could have ended the game by scoring double figures but sub Dan Udoh was denied by goalkeeper Ben Lucas and Lowery had another effort cleared from the line. 

The only real downside on the night was the two goals we conceded. Lee Cropper took a well taken brace in the first half that meant we went in at the interval 5-2 ahead. 

In the other pre-season friendly at Buxton, Crewe ran out 3-1 winners with Oli Finney's well stuck free-kick being glance in by Lewis Reilly, before new signing summer Brad Walker scored the decisive second goal in the second half. Lewis Reilly settled the game with his second and The Alex's third before Buxton grabbed a consolation late on.

Our thanks to Kidsgrove and Buxton for their hospitality as usual.