by Gwyn Griffiths

CREWE'S FA Cup match-winner Clayton Donaldson insists progress to the second round was far more important than the manner in which it was achieved.

The striker's first-half finish proved the only goal of the game as Crewe squeezed past Ebbsfleet United at a restless Alexandra Stadium on Saturday to earn a trip to the winner of the Carlisle United/Grays Athletic tie.

The Blue Square Premier outfit dominated the tie for long periods without every really offering a cutting edge and it was Donaldson's effort which proved decisive to earn Crewe their first win in 12 games.

"It wasn't the best of games, but it was the result that mattered.

"The main thing was to win. If you're not playing well and you win a game that is the hardest thing to do and we did it," pointed out the striker.

"I was telling the lads all week it wasn't going to be easy and they would come here and get in our faces. They congested the midfield and it was difficult for us to play."

It was Donaldson's third goal in two games as he appears to be putting behind a slow start to his Alex career after his £150,000 move from Hibernian in the summer.

"I wasn't getting much opportunity to get in behind because I was being marked tight and I thought I might only get one chance.

"So I was so pleased to get my first goal at Gresty Road as the fans haven't seen what I can do.

"I'm a natural goal scorer and I am improving in every game."

Steve Holland hopes the victory will inspire an improvement in Crewe's showing in League One.

"It was really pleasing to come through unscathed in the end.

A clean sheet and a victory are pluses for sure and hopefully it will create a bit more confidence in general against Leyton Orient next week," said the Crewe coach.

"The win was vital and the players came through in the end and we are delighted to be in the next round."

Holland will step up his quest to bring in loan signings ahead of the Orient clash on Saturday.

"We've got a few irons in the fire and we're optimistic we'll have some reinforcements in for next week, but it's nothing more than that at the moment."