by Gwyn Griffiths

CALVIN Zola has been ruled out of Crewe's next two games after suffering a hamstring injury during Saturday's defeat at Rochdale.

The Alex's leading scorer limpedhobbled off early in the 2-0 loss to loss at the hands of the League Two leaders.

"It's not a real tear, but it will be enough to keep Calvin out for a few weeks I think'd would have thought," said Crewe boss Dario Gradi after the game.

The injury will be a particular blow for Zola, who had only recently returned to action after being sidelined by a damaged eye.

Gradi turned to Byron Moore and Shaun Miller for inspiration up front at Spotland after Zola's enforced exit, but it was Luke Murphy who went the closest to reducing the arrears with a couple of long-range efforts at goal.

Despite that, Gradi was far from happy with Murphy's overall play after offering him a chance to shine in midfield.

"It would be hard to work out what Luke's ability is at the moment, but he's been a good player for us before," added Gradi, who felt Matt Tootle's second-half own goal was one setback too many for his out-of-form side.

Earlier, Chris O'Grady had volleyed Rochdale ahead before substitute Moore was denied what seemed a clear penalty after beinghe was tripped in the box.

Gradi said: "It's all going against us at the moment, but we've got to keep going until it goes our way. The players worked hard and must have felt the body blow of the own goal, but they kept at it and might have pulled one back."