Cricket: Stafford 'two wins from safety' thanks to Smallman

STAFFORD took a crucial step towards Dukes Division One safety, thanks to a superb all-round display from Mark Smallman.

Stafford dodged the inclement weather to heap more misery on bottom side Crewe, with Smallman taking four wickets and hitting an unbeaten 52 in a seven-wicket win.

Smallman (4-15) joined forces with new-ball partner Noel Hunt (3-7) to reduce Crewe to 27-7, before Hasim Naseer struck 28 to help them limp up to 78 all out.

Stafford lost opener Ashley Lunn to the second ball of the run chase, but Smallman calmed any nerves with his 47-ball innings – which included seven fours and two sixes – to guide them past the post.

The victory moved Guy Seaton's side up to ninth – 20 points clear of the drop zone – as the rain caused havoc with fixtures throughout the league.

Defeat for Crewe made it 14 matches without a win, and they face a tough task to reverse their fortunes to avoid dropping into Division Two.

Seaton was quick to praise the contribution of Smallman, which helped Stafford to only their second win in 12 games.

"Mark has had his problems with injuries in the past – he fractured his skull after falling off his bike and also has suffered shoulder problems – but I back him as a cricketer," said Seaton.

"Everyone has their day, and Saturday was Mark's. Him and Noel bowled beautifully, and although the conditions were helpful, it was still a tremendous performance.

"Batting-wise, on that wicket, you had to be positive and take a few risks. That is Mark's game and it paid off handsomely for us.

"It was the sort of track you could easily have been 10-3 on in a run chase – it was just a case of backing your ability.

"Some captains may bat Mark a bit lower down the order, but I believe in him. He has sometimes under-achieved – and he would admit that – but I'm just pleased that he showed what he is capable of.

"However, there is no denying that winning the toss was crucial."

Seaton, who voiced his concerns over professionals in the lower divisions in Friday's Sentinel, called on former Sandiacre Town pro Iftikhar Asghar to fill the void left by the injured Rob Hislop.

The Stafford captain said clubs should consider not having professionals below the top division – and that it was a case of 'keeping up with the Joneses' by employing one.

His views were certainly vindicated by his side's display at Newcastle Road.

"It was good to have Iftikhar because he had a presence," said Seaton. "But he didn't win the game for us – it was our amateurs that did that."

The other clubs in relegation danger, Kidsgrove and Meir Heath, were forced to settle for two points apiece as their games were abandoned.

And Seaton believes Stafford's victory will increase the nerves in rival camps with only six matches left to play.

"Winning has definitely put more pressure on the teams around us who didn't play," said Seaton. "But all I'm worried about is what Stafford do.

"If we had been at Stafford, I doubt we'd have played. But I told the lads when we arrived at Crewe to 'get their heads on' because I thought we'd play.

"I'd probably say we're now two wins away from safety."