26/03/2008 - Baker heaps praise on striker Maynard
by Gwyn Griffiths
NICKY Maynard has hit goalscoring form at just the right time for Crewe, reckons assistant manager Neil Baker.
After struggling to rediscover his touch when he returned from a long injury lay-off, Maynard has now netted six times in the last eight games.
And Baker is convinced without the striker’s ability in the box the odds would be stacked against Crewe’s survival hopes.
Against Walsall on Easter Monday, the 21-year-old volleyed a brilliant finish to put his side ahead. While the Saddlers hit back with an injury-time equaliser, Crewe have managed to put seven points on the board from their last three games and now command a five-point cushion over fourth-bottom Gillingham.
“Nicky came up with a terrific finish at Walsall. He looked sharper and the goals have given him confidence. Without his goals we’d still be struggling,” pointed out Baker.
Crewe’s potency was badly hit when Maynard broke his leg on the opening day of the season. But their lack of a threat continued when the youngster, who had collected 19 goals during 2006/2007, struggled for sharpness and fitness during December and January.
But after heading the winner at Leyton Orient on February 12, Maynard has been on the mark in further vital wins against Gillingham and Hartlepool as his side have eased their relegation worries.
“While Nicky is still not at his best – he had a chance before his goal at Walsall which he may have done better with – his goals record since he’s come back from injury is improving all the time,” added Baker.
“I am sure with a good pre-season behind him he will be in the form he was in last season.”
Crewe’s four-point Easter haul has left them in a positive frame of mind ahead of this Saturday’s visit to second-bottom Luton.
The Hatters could play a pivotal role in the League One relegation scrap as they provide the opposition at The Priestfield Stadium next Tuesday for Gillingham’s game in hand.
But Baker stressed: “When you’re down there you take any help you can get, but it is still down to us and our results are getting us out of trouble without having to rely on other clubs.
“We got four points in three days over Easter and I think for a struggling team that is a good return. We were genuinely disappointed we only got a point at Walsall.”
RESERVE keeper Owain Fon Williams could feature this afternoon in a vital under-21s European Championship qualifier in Bosnia.