Zola made it three goals in two games with a brace against Grimsby

Crewe striker Calvin Zola has told BBC Radio Stoke that the hard work he put into his game during pre-season is beginning to pay dividends.

Zola scored twice on Saturday to help the Alex to their first victory of the season, a 4-0 success at Grimsby.

"I worked very hard and getting the reward for your hard work is always nice for a striker," said Zola.

"It was a great team performance. We're all working hard together and I want to mention that more than anything."

Zola's brace at Blundell Park took his tally for the new season to three.

The Congolese international also scored in the 2-1 defeat by Blackpool in the Carling Cup last week.

"I think we've got the players to create chances, and that was shown in pre-season. I just didn't take them to get myself goals," added Zola.

"I always believed it would turn for me, it has and hopefully it will stay this way.

"With the strength and pace that we've got in the team, it's a joy to be a striker in that team."

The Alex are back in action on Tuesday, when they travel to Darlington in League Two.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version