Lee Bell enjoyed watching his Crewe side turn on the style against Harrogate as they registered their biggest win of the campaign.
The Railwaymen are building up a head of steam after previously grinding out three hard-fought league victories in a row over Bromley, Morecambe and Accrington when goals were at a premium.
But registering their fourth success on the bounce Crewe conjured up an inspired attacking performance, which brought goals from summer recruits Kane Hemmings and Jack Lankester to move them into the top seven.
“I thought we were really good and we put some good moves together which we’ve been working on during the week while competing all over the pitch against a good Harrogate team,” said boss Bell.
“It was a really pleasing afternoon and that’s what we all want to see us play like, although I do like it that we have both sides of the game – so if we are not playing like that we are able to compete and still get results.
“With the players we’ve got I think we’re always going to score goals. I enjoyed watching us play.”
Hemmings drove a fine finish into the bottom corner after receiving a pass from Lankester to get Crewe up and running in the seventh minute.
The veteran striker then went close to hitting an unguarded net from near the halfway line when he tried to make the most of goalkeeper James Belshaw’s headed clearance.
Former Cambridge forward Lankester was involved in many of Crewe’s attacking forays and he doubled the lead just after the half-hour when he took Conor Thomas’ pass, skipped into space inside the box and drove home a classy finish.
While Crewe’s lead was barely under threat, hard-working Hemmings sealed the win when he forced the ball home from close range in the closing minutes after a Shilow Tracey effort was blocked.
Bell added: “Jack was excellent and I really enjoyed watching him play. He showed a lot of confidence, scored a goal and he will only get better.
“Kane’s overall performance sets the tone for everybody. Our formation was really good and credit to the players and staff as they have had a really good week.
“(Goalkeeper) Filip Marschall made a brilliant save with his feet and at 2-1 with minutes left it could have become more nervous for us.”
Marschall’s thwarting of substitute Warren Burrell’s shot on the turn was one of the rare moments of threat Harrogate posed and boss Simon Weaver said fans were right to grumble at the final whistle.
“It was ludicrous the goals we gave away and that was the fear we had of people whipping up the storm after we beat Doncaster last week,” said Weaver.
“People have to remain humble and down to earth and realise we’ve had one win in four. We’ve not achieved anything and we are 20th in the table.
“Quite rightly our fans are upset as they’ve come a long way and to have a no-show like that is disappointing.
“We’re putting a lot of time and effort in behind the scenes and we want better than what we saw today. There was a distinct lack of leadership on the pitch and passion displayed and the fans are right to have a go at the end.”
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup debuts in USA, with a brand-new look. 32 top clubs will gather together to kick off the ultimate showdown among clubs. This edition brings you Group G preview, featuring Juventus FC (The Bianconeri of Serie A), Manchester City (The Sky Blues of the Premier League), Al Ain FC ( The Giants of UAE Pro League), Wydad Casablanca (The Powerhouses of Botola). European powerh...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Welcome Thomas Frank Good bye Ange Postecoglou Accurate This Levels #12 Deep Message… €230m lolPlease stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, FootballLaughss, NoContextChe1, originaltrollfootball)...
The Brazilian has signed a contract running until June 2030 following his move from Wolves.Matheus Cunha has been announced as a Manchester United playerCunha, 26, cost the Red Devils a stunning £62.5million from the West Midlands club.The forward will earn £200,000-a-week while at the club - making him the fourth highest earner in the squad.He has been pictured wearing the club's shirt ...
Napoli are reportedly targeting Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez for a summer move.The Reds broke their transfer record to sign Nunez from Benfica for £85million in 2022 but he is ready to leave Anfield after a lack of starting opportunities under Arne Slot.The 25-year-old scored seven times last season as Liverpool wrapped up the Premier League title and he is contracted until 2028. Saudi side...
SunSport exclusively revealed that Bradley Barcola is on Liverpool's radar in a blockbuster move.Bradley Barcola could be heading to Anfield this summerBarcola could be Mo Salah's long-term replacementWhile Viktor Gyokeres' rumoured strike and Jack Grealish's uncertain future have also hit the back pages.Our very own Will Pugh and Dean Scoggins share their thoughts on all the deals and speculation...
Darwin Nunez's Liverpool departure 'guaranteed'🚨🇺🇾 Darwin Nunez remains guaranteed exit at Liverpool this summer with Saudi Pro League clubs keen since January.Understand also Napoli have made contact in the recent days with Nunez on the shortlist and more talks to follow soon.Darwin, open to both Saudi-European options. pic.twitter.com/jT0O3gF0iu— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 12, ...
Tottenham's new head coach Thomas FrankTottenham have appointed former Brentford manager Thomas Frank as their new head coach, the club confirmed on Thursday.The Dane moves to north London on a deal until 2028, replacing Ange Postecoglou in the dugout after the Australian was sacked last Friday.Spurs paid a 310 million fee to release him from his Brentford contract, which had another two years lef...
Atletico Madrid near €20m deal for Theo HernandezAtletico Madrid are closing in on signing Milan full-back Theo Hernandez, reportedly raising their offer.The left-back has reportedly agreed to personal terms with the LaLiga club and moved closer to joining after Diego Simeone’s side raised their offer from €15 million (313m/$17m) to around €20 million (317m/$23m).Hernandez ...
Napoli plan raid for Liverpool's Nunez and Man Utd's Hojlund this summerNapoli are still pushing Liverpool for Darwin Nunez as well as Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund this summer.Napoli head coach Antonio Conte was reportedly convinced to stay at the side once he was told he would be backed by new signings this summer. One area of the pitch that needs to be strengthened is up front where ...
Gyokeres' agents meet with Arsenal directors ahead of summer moveSporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres is edging closer to a move to Arsenal as his agents held talks with the club.The 27-year-old is arguably the most in demand striker in the world at the moment after bagging 97 goals in 102 matches for Sporting since joining in the summer of 2023. He has been wanted by both Manchester United and...
- 1 Portugal vs France Prediction 12 June 2025
- 2 Bryan Mbeumo 'picks between Man Utd and Tottenham' as transfer agreement struck
- 3 England player ratings vs Andorra: Cole Palmer disappoints as Kane bails out Tuchel
- 4 Bayer Leverkusen interested in shock move for Jack Grealish
- 5 Brazil vs Paraguay Prediction 11 June 2025
- 6 Daily Laugh - Morata : Me again?
- 7 Harvey Elliott opens door to Liverpool exit
- 8 Tottenham players fuming! Spurs facing player revolt as stars left furious by decision to brutally sack Ange Postecoglou after Europa League win
- 9 Transfer news: Jadon Sancho announces move as Liverpool confirm deal
- 10 'We are responsible for the results' - England boss Thomas Tuchel gives verdict on Tottenham's decision to sack Ange Postecoglou despite Europa League glory