CALLUM Davidson scored his third goal in as many games as North End climbed into the play-off zone at Burnley's expense.

Davidson, a £1.75m buy for Rovers in 1998 who went on to make 64 league starts and scored just one goal, has now hit four in 33 since arriving at Deepdale in July last year.

Three of those goals have come in the last three weeks, first against QPR, then Watford, and, on Saturday, against Dario Gradi's poorly-performing Railwaymen.

Davidson, who has also returned to the Scotland squad in recent months, put North End ahead in the 25th minute when a headed clearance from a David Jones shot fell into his path.

Without hesitation he drilled the ball home from 25 yards, easily beating poorly-covered keeper Ben Williams.

After Carlo Nash denied Eddie Johnson in front of the North End goal, local lad Adam Nowland hit his first goal in a North End league match in the 36th minute.

He prodded home David Jones' cross before David Nugent nearly made it 3-0 before the break, but saw his shot flash wide.

Crewe came out fighting in the second half, with a three-pronged attack. Luke Varney produced Crewe's best chance when his volley went over, before Davidson made another attempt on goal - it also went over.

He limped off on 63 minutes to be replaced by Lewis Neal, whose late chance was saved by Williams.

After the match, boss Billy Davies said: "Callum Davidson fully deserves his goals. He came back this summer really fit and put lots of work in. I am delighted for him.

"He must be one of the best left-sided players in the division.

"He should be in contention for the Scotland team if he carries on like that. I am delighted for all the lads."