Full steam ahead for Crewe

Nicky Ajose, Harry Davis and Uche Ikpeazu were all on target as Crewe secured a 3-1 win over managerless Gillingham.

The Railwaymen's third success in their last four games moved them out of the bottom four. But caretaker boss Andy Hessenthaler is without a win in his three games in charge of a Gillingham side, who have now slipped into the relegation zone. Ajose, who has extended his loan at Gresty Road from Leeds until the end of the season, offered an outlet with his pace throughout. He kept his composure as he converted a 27th-minute penalty to edge the Railwaymen ahead after Gavin Hoyte had brought down Ikpeazu in full flight inside the box. And the former Manchester United trainee looked to have registered again when he flicked on a free-kick as Crewe extended their lead five minutes later, although Crewe skipper Harry Davis claimed the final touch at the far post. Jermaine McGlashan should have reduced the arrears on the stroke of half-time, but the winger drove past the far post after being released by Bradley Dack. Ajose could have killed the game when he slipped clear of the last man soon after the restart, but Gills' goalkeeper Stuart Nelson came off his line smartly to make a decisive block. Gillingham were back in the hunt in the 55th minute when Cody McDonald fired across the box and Dack applied the last touch. But despite appearing to handle the ball, Ikpeazu strode on and produced a fine finish six minutes from time to seal Crewe's win.