Columnists

By Matt Owen

18/03/2008 - Fanzone: Fine response could be vital in long run

The 3-0 win can't make up for an embarrassing performance against Vale, but it gives us hope and confidence as we approach the business end of yet another disappointing season.

Isn't it funny how football pans out? We were always on a hiding to nothing against the Valiants. They had nothing to lose and we had everything to lose and, come full-time, we looked like we were indeed going down with the Vale.

In reality, it has worked out for the best. The Gillingham game was the most important and we passed that test with flying colours.

Defeat against Vale wasn't nice, but let's be fair they deserve their moment of glory in a season to forget.

We can't for one moment think that League One survival is done and dusted. I am sure there will be yet another twist before the end of the season. but I am pretty confident we can now kick on and secure safety.

It's up to us now. Again it is in our own hands and the players must keep churning out the results and let's see just how far we can pull away from the bottom of the table.

Before we can think about next season, we must finish the job off. A win against a poor Gillingham side was a must, but that result alone won't keep us up, so it's imperative that we continue to attack and score goals like we did on Saturday.

It was nice to see goals from the strikers. You feel if we can keep Maynard fit, then we won't have much to worry about come the final month and, if he can continue to be supported by Dean Morgan and Tom Pope, the goals for column will start to improve.

We face a hectic Easter schedule. Hartlepool are the visitors to the Alexandra on Saturday, and it's about time we gave home fans something to shout about. The last home win on a Saturday was against Northampton back in November!

Then we face a short trip to Walsall on Easter Monday. That won't be an easy game, but as long as we win one of the two games over the weekend then that will be viewed as a decent return.

We need 10 points from the remaining eight fixtures to guarantee safety and the sooner we can get them the better as the management team could do with taking a look at some of the fringe players ahead of next season.

The goalkeeping situation is one that will require particular attention. All three keepers are out of contract at the end of the season and Ben Williams has reportedly rejected a new three-year deal with the club.

Owain Fon Williams, who is yet to make his debut for Crewe, is also out of contract and is apparently attracting interest from clubs in higher leagues thanks to his performances for Wales Under-21s.

Our third-choice goalkeeper is Stuart Tomlinson and he has recently been on loan at Burton. But his spell had to be cut short due to cruciate knee ligament damage and he is likely to be sidelined for months.

The club have indicated they will offer him a new deal despite his injury. Very commendable and noble of the club, but he has only started one first-team game this season, which came in the JPT defeat at Chester.

Does he deserve a new contract? Personally, I don't think so. He has been here over seven years and is still yet to establish himself in the first team, so I can't see the point in offering him a new deal.

We seem to offer contracts out like confetti. I'd guess the club will say well they don't cost much in wages, but if you add up the costs of players such as Tomlinson, Lynch and Mat Bailey you have probably got a decent amount of cash to put towards one decent player who could make a real difference.