Crewe 1-2 Chesterfield: Gardner goals sink Crewe

Dan Gardner struck in both halves as Chesterfield ended a run of three defeats with a 2-1 victory at basement club Crewe.

Dean Saunders' side fended off a fightback from the Railwaymen, which saw skipper David Fox cancel out Gardner's opener, to seal victory after the break.

Crewe's fans were restless having failed to see their side win at home since March 7, and they had more reasons to groan as the hosts started in dismal fashion, falling behind in the eighth minute.

When Rai Simons pulled the ball back across goal, Gardner squeezed his shot inside the post via a deflection off a defender.

Chesterfield looked slicker of feet and thought, and carried most of the early threat. Jay O'Shea raced clear but missed the far corner and Mani Dieseruvwe poked an effort wide after some great play by O'Shea.

But Crewe were back on terms in the 36th minute with a fine finish from

Fox, who slammed home from 20 yards after Ryan Colclough's driving run and cross from the left.

Crewe finished the first 45 strongly and George Cooper went clear but was thwarted by the onrushing Tommy Lee before Brad Inman dragged the rebound wide.

Yet their defensive frailties returned after the break and Gardner restored Chesterfield's lead in the 57th-minute, when he despatched Liam O'Neil's cross with a volley which flew off the turf into the top corner.