Easy Lover

Crewe 2 Northampton 0
First game of 2011 and I'll be quite happy if the rest of them are as straight-forward as this one. Northampton had a couple of chances early doors, but once Crewe had weathered the storm, they were hardly troubled. Which was a bit of a relief because I didn't go for my lucky walk in the morning. Mind you, given the weather - constant drizzle - I was glad I didn't go. It was the sort of rain that didn't feel too bad, but soon soaked you through. Not ideal conditions for walking in, let alone playing football, and there was a slight concern that the pitch at Gresty Road might be waterlogged. No worries on that front, although it did cut up quite badly in the second half.
As for the game, well, the Cobblers had a couple of threatening opportunities early doors and even hit the crossbar with a dangerous cross, but once Crewe settled, they were in control. Donaldson, in particular, caused the defenders all manner of problems and really should have put Crewe ahead a lot earlier than he did. Having missed two one-on-one chances, he finally opened the scoring with probably his most difficult chance as he raced through and lobbed the ball over the on-rushing goalkeeper.  Much relief all round.
Second half, it was much the same - Northampton not offering much and Crewe wasting several decent chances. Miller doubled the lead with some fantastic footwork in the box, bringing the ball down and skipping past the keeper before sliding it in. After that, the game was as good as over. Crewe did their best to play themselves into trouble occasionally - giving the ball away in midfield far too often - but the Cobblers weren't good enough to take advantage.
As useful and decent performance, and with the team hardly having to get out of second gear, hopefully they'll have plenty left in the tank for tomorrow's game at high-flying Shrewsbury. And, indeed, for the numerous games coming up in the busy month of January. Subject to the weather, of course.