Bobby Grant and Michael Symes scored a double each as cash-strapped Accrington disposed of Crewe 5-3.

Three players grab braces in eight-goal thriller

Bobby Grant and Michael Symes scored a double each as cash-strapped Accrington disposed of promotion candidates Crewe 5-3. Stanley's Grant opened the scoring with an exquisite volley in the third minute after he ran on to keeper Alan Martin's goal-kick and found the top corner of the net from a tight angle. Then, two minutes later, Alex keeper Steve Collis cleared a ball only as far as Stanley striker Symes 40 yards out and he caught Collis off his line and lobbed the ball home. Alex did get one back three minutes before the break when John Brayford sent Joel Grant racing clear and he slotted the ball home, although it did take a deflection off Stanley defender Tom Lees. But their joy was short-lived as a Danny O'Donnell's back-pass fell short and Bobby Grant nipped in after 49 minutes to celebrate his second double of the season. Bobby Grant set up captain Andy Procter, who rifled the ball home after 68 minutes, to make it four before John Miles sent Symes through for a fifth in the 76th minute. Joel Grant got a second for Crewe nine minutes from time, pouncing on a Phil Edwards mistake and Luke Murphy lobbed keeper Martin at the death but the points were sealed by then.