Shaun Goater became the first Manchester City player to score 30 goals in a season for 30 years last night as he ended his recent drought in the 3-1 victory over Crewe.

When he beat Clayton Ince from the edge of the penalty area 15 minutes from the end, the Bermudian joined Francis Lee in the Maine Road record books.

Goater, who has been stuck on 29 goals for the past three games, wrapped up a win which sent City back to the top of Division One.

The tally represents the Bermudian's best ever return since arriving in England, surpassing the 29 he scored in the 1999-2000 season, also for City.

Goater has missed easier chances than the one he scored last night - an 18 yard drive that left the Crewe `keeper flailing.

Strike partner, Darren Huckerby had earlier added to Ali Bernabia's opener but it needed Goater to ensure the points after Crewe pulled a goal back early in the second half.

The goal will have eased the pressure the frontman has been feeling, especially since the ?5 million capture of Jon Macken from Preston North End recently.

"I think we have played better, but the result was excellent," said boss Kevin Keegan. "Crewe played some excellent football, they got the goal and that opened it right back up again. I wouldn't say it was outstanding but we did a professional job.

"The front two linked up well and Shaun got his goal. I am sure there are more to come for him. That is three away games and we picked up nine points, so I was really pleased."

Not satisfied with merely being promoted, Keegan wants his side to confirm themselves as the best in the division.

"I think there is still a lot to do if we want to be Champions. If I am honest I think two wins and a draw will be enough, but we have to look beyond that," he said.

After last night's results, The Blues move up to top spot on 80 points, two clear of second-placed Wolves.

Meanwhile, although there was no doubt about the validity of Goater's strike last night, perhaps his most famous goal in a City shirt has been called into question.

A top referee has admitted he made a mistake in allowing Goater's goal which clinched City's berth in the 1999 Division Two play-off final at Wembley.

The striker's hotly-disputed goal broke Wigan's hearts at Maine Road and sealed a narrow 1-0 victory for the Blues. The teams had earlier drawn 1-1 in the first leg at Springfield Park.

Now, former Wigan manager Ray Mathias has how revealed how referee Terry Heilbron apologised to him for not disallowing Goater's goal.

Mathias, who was sacked 24 hours after the game, told the