Lewis Alessandra brace boosts Hartlepool's survival hopes
Lewis Alessandra's double helped Hartlepool move six points clear of the Sky Bet League Two relegation zone with a crucial 4-0 win over Crewe.
Alessandra's goals were added to by Padraig Amond and Nathan Thomas to ensure third-bottom Pools took the spoils at the Northern Gas and Power Stadium.
Crewe dominated the opening period, only to fall behind on the stroke of half-time as Rhys Oates' cross found its way to Alessandra - whose effort nestled in the corner via defender Ben Nugent.
George Ray and Jordan Bowery spurned chances to level, before Pools grabbed a second through Amond.
The striker, with his back to goal, flicked the ball over the head of Ray, knocked it past onrushing goalkeeper Ben Garratt and poked a 12th league goal of the campaign into an empty net.
Crewe nearly pulled one back immediately as Joe Fryer brilliantly denied Bowery, yet their hopes were soon dashed.
Alessandra added his second from close range following a scramble, before Thomas finished the night in style by beating his man down the line, cutting back and sliding under Garratt.
Source: PA
