MARCUS Barnes scored a stunning consolation goal as Eastleigh’s FA Cup run ended with a 3-1 defeat at League Two Crewe Alexandra.

The Saints striker’s half-volley gave the 112 travelling fans in a Gresty Road crowd of 2,184 something to cheer after two-goal Chuma Anene had helped book Crewe a third-round tie against Barnsley.

It was the fourth goal of Barnes’ loan spell and his second in as many games against Crewe after his late equaliser at the Silverlake Stadium ten days earlier.

Anene’s powerful 31st-minute header in off the crossbar gave Crewe the lead and an excellent defending by Andrew Boyce ensured it remained 1-0 at half-time.

But under pressure from Anene, a Reda Johnson own goal doubled the home team’s lead in the 55th minute and Eastleigh cleared another effort off the line before Anene added his second and Crewe’s third just past the hour.

The visitors kept pressing and Danny Hollands had a diving header from five yards saved before Charlie Seaman’s attempt to convert the rebound was cleared off the line.

Barnes at least provided a moment to cheer for an Eastleigh side that is back in cup action on Saturday, at home to Yate Town in the FA Trophy.

Eastleigh manager Ben Strevens said: “Credit to the boys, they could have lost by a wider margin but kept going against a decent side that played some really good stuff.”