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THERE were unbelievable scenes at Dean Court this afternoon as Sam Vokes's goal sparked wild celebrations among a near sell-out crowd.

Confusion surrounded the end of an enthralling match as supporters invaded the pitch seemingly before referee Keith Hill had blown for full-time.

But it emerged moments later that the official had called an end to proceedings and Cherries now lie just one point from safety going into the final week of a dramatic season.

Vokes's 54th-minute strike proved enough to see off the challenge of Crewe, the club which tried to sign him in the January transfer window.

And with Cheltenham Town losing at Oldham, Kevin Bond's side now know that a draw at Carlisle next week could be enough for them to retain their League One status, a feat which looked almost impossible just a few weeks ago.

A host of awards were dished prior to kick-off, with departing Cherries legend Neil Young and Daily Echo / Micky Cave supporters' player of the year Danny Hollands among the recipients. And if Bond's men complete a miraculous relegation escape next week at Carlisle, all involved can expect to be showered with more accolades.

The Great Escape became a more likely prospect thanks to this afternoon's victory over League One rivals Crewe, as Cherries recorded their sixth successive league win for the first time since 1970.

The team announcement brought a welcome boost for the Dean Court faithful, with Leicester City loan star Maxi Gradel making a shock return to the side after compassionate leave in France.

Gradel came into the starting XI in place of Brett Pitman, as Bond made just one change to the team that won at Walsall last weekend.

In-form frontman Jo Kuffour started in attack for Cherries alongside Vokes, while the visitors also boasted their own hotshot striker in Nicky Maynard.

He went into the clash fresh from his hat-trick heroics against Cheltenham and having notched 11 goals in his past seven appearances.

Maynard's pace looked a threat as Crewe showed a desire to counter attack during the early stages.

But it was Cherries who started the match with more intent, as Bond's side attempted to utilise right winger Gradel at every opportunity.

Despite this, Warren Cummings created the first clear chance of the game on the other flank in the 17th minute. The left-back floated an inviting cross into the penalty area and Shaun Cooper's glancing header was comfortably collected by visiting keeper Ben Williams.

The action switched back towards Gradel two minutes later, however, and his whipped pass found Vokes, but the Welsh under-21 star could only direct his close-range shot over the bar.

Alex had their keeper to thank again for ensuring the game remained goalless at half-time as he produced a superb double save 10 minutes before the interval.

After Gradel had dribbled his way past three defenders, Williams dived to parry the winger's low, left-foot shot before somehow recovering in time to brilliantly keep out Cooper's rebound.

Williams proved a solid last line of defence seven minutes into the second period as he was perfectly positioned to save captain Darren Anderton's powerful drive.

But Williams was powerless as Cherries stormed into the lead two minutes later thanks to Vokes.

The teenage forward latched on to a poor defensive header from Danny O'Donnell and left Williams with no chance by firing a left-foot shot low into the Crewe net.

The near sell-out crowd also began to warm to the task but the carnival atmosphere was almost short-lived as Alex came close to an immediate reply.

A misplaced pass deep in Cherries territory allowed Crewe full-back George Abbey to intercept and he unleashed a vicious shot from 25 yards, which on-loan stopper David Forde leapt full length to palm clear.

Crewe came close again in the 73rd minute as they continued to search for a route back into the game.

Tom Pope created space for a shot 15 yards from goal, but the outstanding Jason Pearce bravely blocked the effort.

It was Cherries' turn to attack in the 81st minute but after a good build-up involving Hollands and Vokes, Kuffour's overhead kick flew well over the bar.

In a nervy finish to the match, Alex almost stole an equaliser with two minutes remaining, but Forde again came to the rescue as he turned Dean Morgan's shot past the post.

Cherries: Forde 8, Bradbury 7, Gowling 7.5, Pearce 8*, Cummings 6.5, Cooper 7, Anderton 7, Hollands 7.5, Gradel 7.5 (Bartley, 89), Kuffour 7.5, Vokes 7. Unused subs: Pryce, Young, Garry, Pitman.

Booked: Bradbury

Crewe Alexandra: Williams, McCready, Baudet (Carrington, 59), O'Donnell, Abbey, Roberts, Lunt, Schumacher (Jones, 76), Morgan, Pope, Maynard. Unused subs: Cox, Moore, fon-Williams.

Referee: Keith Hill (Hertfordshire)

5:00pm Saturday 26th April 2008

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