Football: Crewe hit by leaders' onslaught

SUNDERLAND CONTINUED their march towards promotion to the Premiership with a 4-1 demolition of Crewe at Gresty Road last night.

From the moment Daniele Dichio scored the opener in the 11th minute, Peter Reid's men were in total control. Sunderland's left-back, Michael Gray, increased the lead in the 27th minute with a powerful shot and in first-half injury time Niall Quinn headed in the third. The substitute Michael Bridges added the fourth with a low drive before Colin Little gained some consolation for Crewe. The edge was taken off the victory by injury to Gray and Dichio.

Also in the First Division, Watford managed a fourth home draw in a row, 1-1 against Norwich, despite missing six first-teamers. A Gifton Noel- Williams cross was deflected in by Matt Jackson, but Darren Eadie equalised by slipping the ball past Alec Chamberlain after a run from midfield.