TWO second half strikes from Luke Offord and Regan Griffiths cemented the Railwaymen’s spot in the second round of the Cheshire Senior Cup.
Oliver Finney kick started the Alex’s first round charge in the 22nd minute as his long-range effort flew past Richie Mottram and into the bottom corner.
The midfielder came close to doubling his and Crewe Alex’s lead moments later, but he dragged his left-footed shot just wide of Runcorn’s net.
The hosts found their opening in the game as they scored directly from a corner kick forcing Alex Morris to make his first change of the evening with Joe Robbins replacing Connor Heath.
The substitution allowed Griffiths to move further forward from midfield and he immediately tested Mottram.
From the resulting corner, Callum Ainley whipped in the cross which allowed Offord to slot home with his second attempt to regain the Railwaymen’s lead.
Following a neat combination between Offord and Ainley down the left-hand side, they managed to find Griffiths in the penalty area, who made no mistake and sealed Crewe’s victory with 10 minutes left to play.
Daniel Powell completed 90-minutes for the first time since suffering an ankle injury in October and almost marked his return with a goal, only for the post to deny him.
Crewe
Richards ©, Djalo, Offord, Jones, Johnson, Southern, Powell, Griffiths (Lomas 82’), Heath (Robbins 73’), Finney, Ainley