Whaley had the perfect start to their first ever season in the Cheshire Football League Division 1 with this resounding win over newly promoted Crewe.

In spite of having the better of the game, it took Whaley 30 minutes to take the lead. Matt Brown's shot was blocked but new boy Damien Morrison was on hand to slide in the rebound.

Whaley were solid at the back and should have added to their lead but chances went begging and they had to settle for 1-0 at half-time.

With Craig Fleury and Damien Morrison controlling midfield and Matt Brown dangerous on the wing, it was inevitable that more goals would come. On 62 minutes, Whaley went further ahead as the lively Lee Morris put Mick Ryan through and he rounded the keeper before firing home.

Whaley were in full control now and Mick Ryan scored again, 8 minutes later, when he latched on to the ball after Geo Langford's shot had been saved. Crewe were caught napping on 83 minutes as Whaley took a short corner and Matt Brown's cross was headed home by George Burgess on his debut.

Whaley played well and looked ready for a challenging season with Paul Walker the “man of the match”.

Whaley face a tough challenge when they travel to champions Knutsford next Saturday.

Team: J Tattersall, G Langford, R Newton, S Dignan(c), P Walker, W Sutton, D Morrison(1), C Fleury, M Ryan(2), M Brown, L Morris.

Subs Used: G Burgess (1), C Watts, S Telfer.