Port Vale 2 Crewe 1
So, for the first time this season Crewe met Port Vale in a derby match that both sets of fans say isn't a derby, and yet saw the biggest turnout at Vale Park in 9 years and almost 1400 Crewe fans make the short trip south. First, though, I headed north for a few beers in Sandbach. Had a couple in the Red Lion and then went to the Black Bear, which was a bit of a mistake, mainly because it was pretty dead. Still, the beer (Coach House's Dick Turpin) was alright, as was the company. Leaving there, there was just time to grab some nosh from Chatwins and have a cheeky pint in the military Arms before heading off down t' road.
Arriving at "the Wembley of the North" it was straight in and off to the bar to be ripped-off for a couple of plastic bottles of beer. Despite the price (£3.10 for a 500ml bottle) some Crewe fans decided to shower the rest of us with their beer anyway. Clearly they get too much pocket money....
Anyway, the game kicked off and, as expected, Port Vale were right in Crewe's faces. Griffith earned himself a booking for a lunge on Westwood after just two minutes and that would come back to haunt him later. The opening passage of play were scrappy and Mitchell-King, in at right-back was having a torrid time against Loft. And Loft it was who was given time to whack in a cross on to Dodds' head for the opening goal. After that the Vale seemed to go into their shells a bit and Crewe began to create openings. But every time they got a chance they either took the wrong option or shot tamely, until Donaldson teed up Westwood for a volley that former Crewe keeper Tomlinson did wonderfully well to keep out. Things just weren't dropping for Crewe and even when Tomlinson blundered they couldn't force the ball home. As the half drew to a close most Crewe fans were still confident that the side could get something out of the game.
Port Vale started the second half looking to put the game to bed but Crewe saw off their challenge and, having adapted to match Vale's formation began to dominate the game. Unfortunately, they were still lacking a cutting edge up front until Miller came on after 55minutes or so. Almost immediately he set up Moore, who saw Tomlinson block his shot. Several minutes later Miller himself put a 25-yarder just past the post. But then, for the Alex at least, disaster struck. Another former Alex player, Roberts, pinched the ball off Artell and charged towards the penalty area. Taylor came out to block the loose ball and Roberts went over him, somewhat theatrically, it has to be said.. It looked like Taylor had got a hand to the ball first, but the referee pointed to the spot. Marc Richards sent Taylor the wrong way to put the Vale two ahead. Crewe had a mountain to climb. As the Alex poured forward trying to get back into the game, they were handed a lifeline when Griffith handled a throw in the penalty area. The referee pointed to the spot, but also produced a second yellow for Griffith which left the Vale down to ten men with about ten minutes to go. Donaldson reduced the arrears by smashing the penalty into the top corner. Crewe huffed and puffed for the last ten minutes trying to make their one man advantage pay but were guilty of some poor-decision making and some woeful shooting. Lee Bell wasted a glorious chance when putting a free-kick well over from just outside the box. Then Tomlinson made another good save to deny Ada from close range, before Miller tried an audacious (and some would say ridiculous) overhead kick, which landed on the roof of the net. And that was pretty much that. The Vale held on to win the non-derby derby and the bragging rights, at least for the next few months.
Overall, I was a bit disappointed with the result but, credit to Port Vale, they were a decent side. Definitely one of the better sides we've played so far, and they were apparently without their two influential wingers. That said, we had Tootle playing on the left due to Blanchett's absence and I think he might have coped better with Loft than Mitchell-King did. Mind once we switched to 3 at the back Ada didn't seem to have too much trouble from him... Still, that's the game done and dusted and unfortunately the good run has come to an end, but as Dario said afterwards, we have to start another one now. Dario was at least measured and composed in his post-match interview unlike Micky Adams', the Port Vale manager, who just came across as a childish, spiteful chump.
Let's let that go, though - there's still two-thirds of the season to go and nothing's ever decided in October. Onwards and back upwards as Crewe take on third-placed Shrewsbury on Tuesday night. Time to show some bouncebackability.
Sunday, 31 October 2010
Thursday, 28 October 2010
Delayed Reaction
Crewe 3 Aldershot 1
Apologies for a slightly late update on the weekend's capers but been a busy bee. More of that after the match report....
Having gone a fair few matches unbeaten now, many Crewe fans were confident of getting something out of this one. Aldershot are no mugs though and hadn't got into the top 7 by accident. They don't score many but they don't let many in either. Until last Saturday, they had the second-meanest defence in the division....And it wasn't too hard to see why they had such a good defensive record - they were well organised at the back and the midfield were more than willing to do their share of defensive duties. Up front they had the pace and trickery of some decent players. Indeed, Crewe once looked at buying winger Damian Spencer but his injury record counted against him.
The first half was a tight affair with both sides have a sniff at goal. Aldershot had the better chances early doors but Crewe gradually got into the game and it was fairly even for both sides. It wasn't too difficult though to see why Aldershot haven't scored that many goals this season. With chances at a premium, most of their efforts were blasted wide or blocked. They had a shout for a penalty too, but from where I was sat it looked like a dive. Meanwhile up the other end, Crewe's forwards were contriving to lose the ball in good positions and it looked like being a frustrating afternoon. Then, just before half-time, the game turned. Westwood played a ball to the feet of Donaldson in the middle of the park and he back-heeled it to Joel Grant. In acres of space Grant drew a man towards him before slipping the ball forward to Moore on the edge of the area. Moore held off his marker and made room to hit a shot past the keeper's despairing left hand. Two minutes later and Crewe were further ahead. After some neat passing, Westwood played in Blanchett overlapping down the left and he got the byline and cut the ball back for Grant to pass the ball into the far corner. Two nil and that was, to be fair, a bit harsh on the visitors.
As I said earlier, Aldershot are no mugs and they proved that in the second half. A couple of changes of personnel made all the difference and they carried more of a goal threat. Having survived a scare when Donaldson really should have added a third, Aldershot were back in the game just seven minutes in. Good work down the left led to a low cross coming in and Jackson was one of three players waiting in the box for it. He had a simple tap-in and it was game on. Luckily for fans of a nervous disposition, Crewe restored their two goal cushion just six minutes later. Donaldson, taking the ball forward was caught, but the referee played advantage and the ball went out to Murphy on the right. He made it to the byline and put an inch-perfect cross on to the head of the onrushing Westwood, who powered the ball into the top corner. Surely there'd be no coming back from that? Well, clearly not. There was however, a long stoppage after Blanchett went down following a clash of heads. He was stretchered off and a reshuffle saw Mitchell-King coming on at right-back and Tootle switching across to the vacant left-back slot. Crewe still carried a threat going forward but Aldershot gave us a nervy last twenty minutes as they threw everything forward in order to try to get something out of the game. Jackson showed good skill to turn in the box and let off a shot. It beat the keeper but came ricocheting back off the bar. Then a header hit the outside of the post and Jackson was again a little unlucky as it bounced up and hit his hand as he tried to bring it under control. a few crosses also flashed across the box with no Aldershot player managing to get a decisive touch. In the end, and despite 9 minutes of injury time, Crewe held on.
The three points were more than welcome and moved the Alex above Aldershot and into the play-off places for the first time this season. Aldershot were a touch unlucky, though and on another day could have come away with a draw. Still, onwards and upwards and next up is the small matter of a local derby with neighbours-across-the-border, Port Vale. The Vale have been flying until recent weeks when the curse of the Manager of the Month award struck and they've not won in four. They've only lost one of them those, so bound to be a tricky game. Looking forward to it though.
Anyway, in other news, the reason I've been a bit slow with this update is that I've been out watching other games. Sunday I went to Gresty Road to watch a Charity XI take on a side captained by Italian legend Franco Baresi. It was a decent game and good fun, although a little cold. Baresi's team were leading 2-1 at half-time but took advantage as the other side tired and ran out 8-3 winners. Baresi himself came off with about ten minutes left and then spent five of those minutes signing autographs on his way back to the changing room. Top man. Following that, I spent Monday night watching Nantwich Town Youth in the FA Youth Cup against Fleetwood. Nantwich were undone by a soft first goal when a defensive mix-up between keeper and full-back let in the opposition striker. The second goal was well-worked but the third was a disputed penalty and there seemed to be no way back from there. Nantwich did pull one back just before half-time and played much better in the second half. Mind, the tackles were flying in fast and furious throughout that second half and it was a surprise to me that no one got sent off. Indeed the ref kept his cards in his pocket, even when there was a bit of "handbags" following one particularly tasty challenge. Nantwich pulled a second goal back but they'd given themselves too much of a mountain to climb and Fleetwood saw the game out to win 3-2. In marked contrast, last night I went to see Crewe Youth in the same competition and they played opponents AFC Fylde off the park. They won 4-0 but really it could, indeed should, have been more emphatic. Harry Clayton got the first, knocking in the rebound after Powell's exquisite chip came back off the bar. Then Powell himself scored a tap in after good work down the left, The second half was a little more even as Crewe took their foot off the gas a bit but they still looked comfortable. Koral added a third with a drive from distance which caught out the keeper on the near post - he, like everyone else in the ground was expecting a cross. Then Sean Cooke got up to score the penalty that he had won. To be honest, I felt a bit sorry for the Fylde lads - they were obviously outclassed and one or two of them were getting wound up by it. There was no disgrace in being beaten by a bunch of lads who play against the likes of Manchesters Utd and City, Liverpool and Everton every week. Not to mention the two England U16 Internationals in the team...
So that's it for me - busy football week next week too - Vale away on Saturday and then Shrewsbury at home on Tuesday night. Four points (or more) from them games should set us up nicely for the trip to Tamworth in the first round of the FA Cup. Bring it on.
Apologies for a slightly late update on the weekend's capers but been a busy bee. More of that after the match report....
Having gone a fair few matches unbeaten now, many Crewe fans were confident of getting something out of this one. Aldershot are no mugs though and hadn't got into the top 7 by accident. They don't score many but they don't let many in either. Until last Saturday, they had the second-meanest defence in the division....And it wasn't too hard to see why they had such a good defensive record - they were well organised at the back and the midfield were more than willing to do their share of defensive duties. Up front they had the pace and trickery of some decent players. Indeed, Crewe once looked at buying winger Damian Spencer but his injury record counted against him.
The first half was a tight affair with both sides have a sniff at goal. Aldershot had the better chances early doors but Crewe gradually got into the game and it was fairly even for both sides. It wasn't too difficult though to see why Aldershot haven't scored that many goals this season. With chances at a premium, most of their efforts were blasted wide or blocked. They had a shout for a penalty too, but from where I was sat it looked like a dive. Meanwhile up the other end, Crewe's forwards were contriving to lose the ball in good positions and it looked like being a frustrating afternoon. Then, just before half-time, the game turned. Westwood played a ball to the feet of Donaldson in the middle of the park and he back-heeled it to Joel Grant. In acres of space Grant drew a man towards him before slipping the ball forward to Moore on the edge of the area. Moore held off his marker and made room to hit a shot past the keeper's despairing left hand. Two minutes later and Crewe were further ahead. After some neat passing, Westwood played in Blanchett overlapping down the left and he got the byline and cut the ball back for Grant to pass the ball into the far corner. Two nil and that was, to be fair, a bit harsh on the visitors.
As I said earlier, Aldershot are no mugs and they proved that in the second half. A couple of changes of personnel made all the difference and they carried more of a goal threat. Having survived a scare when Donaldson really should have added a third, Aldershot were back in the game just seven minutes in. Good work down the left led to a low cross coming in and Jackson was one of three players waiting in the box for it. He had a simple tap-in and it was game on. Luckily for fans of a nervous disposition, Crewe restored their two goal cushion just six minutes later. Donaldson, taking the ball forward was caught, but the referee played advantage and the ball went out to Murphy on the right. He made it to the byline and put an inch-perfect cross on to the head of the onrushing Westwood, who powered the ball into the top corner. Surely there'd be no coming back from that? Well, clearly not. There was however, a long stoppage after Blanchett went down following a clash of heads. He was stretchered off and a reshuffle saw Mitchell-King coming on at right-back and Tootle switching across to the vacant left-back slot. Crewe still carried a threat going forward but Aldershot gave us a nervy last twenty minutes as they threw everything forward in order to try to get something out of the game. Jackson showed good skill to turn in the box and let off a shot. It beat the keeper but came ricocheting back off the bar. Then a header hit the outside of the post and Jackson was again a little unlucky as it bounced up and hit his hand as he tried to bring it under control. a few crosses also flashed across the box with no Aldershot player managing to get a decisive touch. In the end, and despite 9 minutes of injury time, Crewe held on.
The three points were more than welcome and moved the Alex above Aldershot and into the play-off places for the first time this season. Aldershot were a touch unlucky, though and on another day could have come away with a draw. Still, onwards and upwards and next up is the small matter of a local derby with neighbours-across-the-border, Port Vale. The Vale have been flying until recent weeks when the curse of the Manager of the Month award struck and they've not won in four. They've only lost one of them those, so bound to be a tricky game. Looking forward to it though.
Anyway, in other news, the reason I've been a bit slow with this update is that I've been out watching other games. Sunday I went to Gresty Road to watch a Charity XI take on a side captained by Italian legend Franco Baresi. It was a decent game and good fun, although a little cold. Baresi's team were leading 2-1 at half-time but took advantage as the other side tired and ran out 8-3 winners. Baresi himself came off with about ten minutes left and then spent five of those minutes signing autographs on his way back to the changing room. Top man. Following that, I spent Monday night watching Nantwich Town Youth in the FA Youth Cup against Fleetwood. Nantwich were undone by a soft first goal when a defensive mix-up between keeper and full-back let in the opposition striker. The second goal was well-worked but the third was a disputed penalty and there seemed to be no way back from there. Nantwich did pull one back just before half-time and played much better in the second half. Mind, the tackles were flying in fast and furious throughout that second half and it was a surprise to me that no one got sent off. Indeed the ref kept his cards in his pocket, even when there was a bit of "handbags" following one particularly tasty challenge. Nantwich pulled a second goal back but they'd given themselves too much of a mountain to climb and Fleetwood saw the game out to win 3-2. In marked contrast, last night I went to see Crewe Youth in the same competition and they played opponents AFC Fylde off the park. They won 4-0 but really it could, indeed should, have been more emphatic. Harry Clayton got the first, knocking in the rebound after Powell's exquisite chip came back off the bar. Then Powell himself scored a tap in after good work down the left, The second half was a little more even as Crewe took their foot off the gas a bit but they still looked comfortable. Koral added a third with a drive from distance which caught out the keeper on the near post - he, like everyone else in the ground was expecting a cross. Then Sean Cooke got up to score the penalty that he had won. To be honest, I felt a bit sorry for the Fylde lads - they were obviously outclassed and one or two of them were getting wound up by it. There was no disgrace in being beaten by a bunch of lads who play against the likes of Manchesters Utd and City, Liverpool and Everton every week. Not to mention the two England U16 Internationals in the team...
So that's it for me - busy football week next week too - Vale away on Saturday and then Shrewsbury at home on Tuesday night. Four points (or more) from them games should set us up nicely for the trip to Tamworth in the first round of the FA Cup. Bring it on.
Tuesday, 19 October 2010
To The Sea
Southend 0 Crewe 2
Bleedin' typical. Crewe finally keep a clean sheet and it's 250 miles away, in front of about 250 hardy souls who made the long trek. I was tempted by the trip all week but didn't get round to sorting out stuff at home so ended up with a bag of stuff that needed doing on Saturday morning. And, to be honest, I was a bit skint, so didn't want to over-stretch the old budget.
Instead I once again spent my Saturday afternoon watching Nantwich Town and half-listening to Radio Stoke for updates. (I really ought to get a portable DAB radio for such occasions as these...). Whilst I was hearing of goal-line clearances and a missed penalty for Crewe, Nantwich were enjoying a largely untroubled passage into the next round of the FA Trophy. Two virtually identical goals from Lennon put Nantwich in the driving seat. They conceded a soft penalty to let lower league opponents, Prescot Cables, back into the match briefly, but Lennon notched another couple before half time to kill the match off. The second half was largely no-contest. Prescot attacked sporadically but Nantwich were comfortable and looked like scoring on every attack. Prescot did notch another goal but Blake and Whittaker both got on the score sheet for Nantwich to give them a deserved 6-2 win. The only downside of the day was seeing Tickle carried off at the end following a heavy challenge. He has apparently broken his ankle and won't be back before Christmas.
Anyway, am off to watch Nantwich again tonight, rather than attend the Crewe Fans' Forum. I've been to too many of those forums and they're always the same. People demand action and angry questions beforehand but none ever materialises and then chairman John Bowler spins anything awkward away anyway. Dario is usually more interesting but you can still pretty much predict his stock answers.
Bleedin' typical. Crewe finally keep a clean sheet and it's 250 miles away, in front of about 250 hardy souls who made the long trek. I was tempted by the trip all week but didn't get round to sorting out stuff at home so ended up with a bag of stuff that needed doing on Saturday morning. And, to be honest, I was a bit skint, so didn't want to over-stretch the old budget.
Instead I once again spent my Saturday afternoon watching Nantwich Town and half-listening to Radio Stoke for updates. (I really ought to get a portable DAB radio for such occasions as these...). Whilst I was hearing of goal-line clearances and a missed penalty for Crewe, Nantwich were enjoying a largely untroubled passage into the next round of the FA Trophy. Two virtually identical goals from Lennon put Nantwich in the driving seat. They conceded a soft penalty to let lower league opponents, Prescot Cables, back into the match briefly, but Lennon notched another couple before half time to kill the match off. The second half was largely no-contest. Prescot attacked sporadically but Nantwich were comfortable and looked like scoring on every attack. Prescot did notch another goal but Blake and Whittaker both got on the score sheet for Nantwich to give them a deserved 6-2 win. The only downside of the day was seeing Tickle carried off at the end following a heavy challenge. He has apparently broken his ankle and won't be back before Christmas.
Anyway, am off to watch Nantwich again tonight, rather than attend the Crewe Fans' Forum. I've been to too many of those forums and they're always the same. People demand action and angry questions beforehand but none ever materialises and then chairman John Bowler spins anything awkward away anyway. Dario is usually more interesting but you can still pretty much predict his stock answers.
Sunday, 10 October 2010
Ball Of Confusion
Crewe 3 Torquay 3
Crazy, crazy times. Having come away from the Macclesfield league game eleven days ago thinking that Crewe's strikers looked they couldn't score in a month of Sundays, we've now scored 12 in our last three games. Similarly, after thinking the defence looked a lot more solid compared to previous years, we've now conceded 10 goals in those same three games.
Yesterday was a bit strange all round. I didn't go for my lucky walk - I'd got a mid-morning doctor's appointment and Charlie was visiting a friend so we couldn't fit it in. My usual matchday companion was missing, presumed pissed, at a pool tournament in Great Yarmouth, so I went with another colleague from work and there was a queue stretching back up Gresty Road outside the ticket office at quarter to three. A sight not seen for a few seasons.
And after about fifteen minutes or so, I was fearing the worst. From a corner, Torquay picked out the unmarked Ellis, who powered a header home. Then from a free-kick Ellis again found himself unmarked to head home number two. Two set pieces and two goals. Looked like our defensive woes were going to continue. However after that, I thought Crewe came back into the game but they weren't really creating any clear cut chances and with Lee Bell having an off day in the middle of the park were struggling to get the passing game going. Still, we got a lifeline just before the break when Torquay defender Branston was judged to have handled the ball and a penalty was awarded. Lee Bell stepped up and compounded his bad day by blasting it on to the bar. Cue general dismay and feeling that it might not be our day. Luckily Donaldson was in the right place to volley home after the ball looped up to him off a defender. Going into the half-time break only one down was better than we could have expected after the early exchanges.
Went for a pint at half time but the queue was so long I gave up as I got the feeling I wouldn't have time to drink it and get back to my seat in time. And that's the first time I've done that too!
Anyway, Crewe came out fired up n the second half and were looking the better side but still really struggling to create clear-cut chances. And on 67 minutes disaster struck, when Lee Bell brought down Benyon inside the Crewe half and he launched an attack with a quickly-taken free-kick. O'Kane found himself with time and space to pick his spot and Crewe were once again two goals down. Arse!
For once, Dario responded by taking off Donaldson and Grant and bringing on Miller and Leitch-Smith. With those two, especially Miller, running at a tiring defence things started to get a bit stretched. After some clever work down the right the ball came across to Westwood who volleyed it home from about twenty yards or so. A super shot, well worth checking out on the BBC highlights. And then just four minutes later there was a scramble in the penalty area as the ball bobbled around and Branston brought down Leitch-Smith for the referee to award Crewe a second penalty of the afternoon. This time Westwood stepped up and made no mistake to level the scores at three apiece.
With about quarter of an hour to go there was still time for either side to snatch it, but Crewe were making the better chances. Sub Nick Powell put a close range header over and then Murphy did like wise. Mean while up at the other end Blanchett had to make a goal line clearance to prevent Ellis notching a hat-trick. At the end I think the Crewe fans were more pleased with the draw than the Torquay ones. We've criticised Crewe for not being able to close out games from two up, so it was good to see us do that to another side, for a change.
So, it's now nine games unbeaten and raining goals. Trouble is the draws aren't enough to stop us sliding down the table. Would quite happily settle for some boring 1-0 wins right now, to be honest. Next up is Southend away and I won't be making the trek for that one. Well, I'm not planning to, right now, that could change during the week, of course. Think it'll be another tough game and I'll settle for a draw.
Crazy, crazy times. Having come away from the Macclesfield league game eleven days ago thinking that Crewe's strikers looked they couldn't score in a month of Sundays, we've now scored 12 in our last three games. Similarly, after thinking the defence looked a lot more solid compared to previous years, we've now conceded 10 goals in those same three games.
Yesterday was a bit strange all round. I didn't go for my lucky walk - I'd got a mid-morning doctor's appointment and Charlie was visiting a friend so we couldn't fit it in. My usual matchday companion was missing, presumed pissed, at a pool tournament in Great Yarmouth, so I went with another colleague from work and there was a queue stretching back up Gresty Road outside the ticket office at quarter to three. A sight not seen for a few seasons.
And after about fifteen minutes or so, I was fearing the worst. From a corner, Torquay picked out the unmarked Ellis, who powered a header home. Then from a free-kick Ellis again found himself unmarked to head home number two. Two set pieces and two goals. Looked like our defensive woes were going to continue. However after that, I thought Crewe came back into the game but they weren't really creating any clear cut chances and with Lee Bell having an off day in the middle of the park were struggling to get the passing game going. Still, we got a lifeline just before the break when Torquay defender Branston was judged to have handled the ball and a penalty was awarded. Lee Bell stepped up and compounded his bad day by blasting it on to the bar. Cue general dismay and feeling that it might not be our day. Luckily Donaldson was in the right place to volley home after the ball looped up to him off a defender. Going into the half-time break only one down was better than we could have expected after the early exchanges.
Went for a pint at half time but the queue was so long I gave up as I got the feeling I wouldn't have time to drink it and get back to my seat in time. And that's the first time I've done that too!
Anyway, Crewe came out fired up n the second half and were looking the better side but still really struggling to create clear-cut chances. And on 67 minutes disaster struck, when Lee Bell brought down Benyon inside the Crewe half and he launched an attack with a quickly-taken free-kick. O'Kane found himself with time and space to pick his spot and Crewe were once again two goals down. Arse!
For once, Dario responded by taking off Donaldson and Grant and bringing on Miller and Leitch-Smith. With those two, especially Miller, running at a tiring defence things started to get a bit stretched. After some clever work down the right the ball came across to Westwood who volleyed it home from about twenty yards or so. A super shot, well worth checking out on the BBC highlights. And then just four minutes later there was a scramble in the penalty area as the ball bobbled around and Branston brought down Leitch-Smith for the referee to award Crewe a second penalty of the afternoon. This time Westwood stepped up and made no mistake to level the scores at three apiece.
With about quarter of an hour to go there was still time for either side to snatch it, but Crewe were making the better chances. Sub Nick Powell put a close range header over and then Murphy did like wise. Mean while up at the other end Blanchett had to make a goal line clearance to prevent Ellis notching a hat-trick. At the end I think the Crewe fans were more pleased with the draw than the Torquay ones. We've criticised Crewe for not being able to close out games from two up, so it was good to see us do that to another side, for a change.
So, it's now nine games unbeaten and raining goals. Trouble is the draws aren't enough to stop us sliding down the table. Would quite happily settle for some boring 1-0 wins right now, to be honest. Next up is Southend away and I won't be making the trek for that one. Well, I'm not planning to, right now, that could change during the week, of course. Think it'll be another tough game and I'll settle for a draw.
Thursday, 7 October 2010
I'm Not Hanging Around
Macclesfield 2 Crewe 4
(Johnstone's Paints Trophy, Round 2)
Didn't go to this one either as I wasn't feeling too good and it's a ball ache getting back from Macc on public transport. Plus I'm not that bothered about the "Gayers Cup that no none cares about till they get to the final" as a friend described it. Probably should have made the effort as I missed out on three own goals, a penalty and some sublime attacking football.
(Johnstone's Paints Trophy, Round 2)
Didn't go to this one either as I wasn't feeling too good and it's a ball ache getting back from Macc on public transport. Plus I'm not that bothered about the "Gayers Cup that no none cares about till they get to the final" as a friend described it. Probably should have made the effort as I missed out on three own goals, a penalty and some sublime attacking football.
Boy, Missing
Chesterfield 5 Crewe 5
Well, I'll be honest. I wasn't there. Had planned to go but a family get-together knackered my plans. Possibly could have made it had I had a jet plane or teleporter available in order to get back from Chesterfield in time. Sadly, I can afford neither.
Made do instead with going to watch Nantwich Town at home to Kendal in the Evo-Stik Premier League (the league formerly known as the Northern Premier League). I could at least pretend it was a scouting mission of sorts, as Crewe's Jordan Connerton turned out for his first appearance in a month-long loan spell at Nantwich. It didn't take him long to make an impact, playing the ball into acres of space on the edge of the area for Blackhurst to run on to and smash into the bottom left-hand corner of the net. Minutes later there was a moment of magic from former Crewe winger, Rodney Jack as he took on several defenders before slotting home Nantwich's second. In the meantime news was filtering through from some old Alex boys, glued to their radios, that Crewe were two up at Chesterfield. That soon went to 3, and in some kind of spooky response, Nantwich added a third.themselves as Connerton again laid the ball into space for Carr to lash home. Nantwich added a fourth from a corner, when the keeper flapped at it and Lennon poked home from close range. meantime oer in Chesterfield, the home side had pulled one back before Crewe restored their lead. and Kendal finally got on the score sheet at the Dabberdome.
Both games hit half time with scorelines of 4-1, as if Nantwich and Crewe were competing to see who could score the most. Sadly, that's where the similarities ended. Nantwich soon added a fifth and the game was as good as over. There was still time for a nervy last quarter of an hour after Nantwich's normally reliable keeper, Chapman, misjudged one at the far post and then Tickle slammed a low cross into his own net to make the score 5-3. Over in Chesterfield, Crewe were making a right pig's ear of it and started to crumble under constant Chesterfield pressure. A second Chesterfield goal and then a third from the penalty spot had the alarm bells ringing. Normal service appeared to be resumed when Donaldson notched a fifth for the Alex, but there was still time enough for Chesterfield to get a second penalty and then grab an unlikely equaliser to draw the game five apiece. Unbelievable, Jeff! As someone once said.
Let's hope we're a bit better defensively at home to Torquay this weekend. The Gulls haven't won since storming to the top of the league in August. Shit. Think I might just have jinxed it!
Well, I'll be honest. I wasn't there. Had planned to go but a family get-together knackered my plans. Possibly could have made it had I had a jet plane or teleporter available in order to get back from Chesterfield in time. Sadly, I can afford neither.
Made do instead with going to watch Nantwich Town at home to Kendal in the Evo-Stik Premier League (the league formerly known as the Northern Premier League). I could at least pretend it was a scouting mission of sorts, as Crewe's Jordan Connerton turned out for his first appearance in a month-long loan spell at Nantwich. It didn't take him long to make an impact, playing the ball into acres of space on the edge of the area for Blackhurst to run on to and smash into the bottom left-hand corner of the net. Minutes later there was a moment of magic from former Crewe winger, Rodney Jack as he took on several defenders before slotting home Nantwich's second. In the meantime news was filtering through from some old Alex boys, glued to their radios, that Crewe were two up at Chesterfield. That soon went to 3, and in some kind of spooky response, Nantwich added a third.themselves as Connerton again laid the ball into space for Carr to lash home. Nantwich added a fourth from a corner, when the keeper flapped at it and Lennon poked home from close range. meantime oer in Chesterfield, the home side had pulled one back before Crewe restored their lead. and Kendal finally got on the score sheet at the Dabberdome.
Both games hit half time with scorelines of 4-1, as if Nantwich and Crewe were competing to see who could score the most. Sadly, that's where the similarities ended. Nantwich soon added a fifth and the game was as good as over. There was still time for a nervy last quarter of an hour after Nantwich's normally reliable keeper, Chapman, misjudged one at the far post and then Tickle slammed a low cross into his own net to make the score 5-3. Over in Chesterfield, Crewe were making a right pig's ear of it and started to crumble under constant Chesterfield pressure. A second Chesterfield goal and then a third from the penalty spot had the alarm bells ringing. Normal service appeared to be resumed when Donaldson notched a fifth for the Alex, but there was still time enough for Chesterfield to get a second penalty and then grab an unlikely equaliser to draw the game five apiece. Unbelievable, Jeff! As someone once said.
Let's hope we're a bit better defensively at home to Torquay this weekend. The Gulls haven't won since storming to the top of the league in August. Shit. Think I might just have jinxed it!
Friday, 1 October 2010
The Disappointed
Crewe 1 Macclesfield 1
There should have been no need for a lucky walk for Crewe to beat Macclesfield at home, but clearly our wayward strikers need some sort of cosmic assistance. An evening of missed chances and a touch of luck ended with Crewe snatching a draw from a game that should have been won before half time.
Macclesfield actually made the better start with Barnett getting a shot off that Taylor did well to deflect. Thereafter Crewe took control of the game, but despite creating plenty, never really made a clear cut chance. Miller put in a cross that only just evaded Bell, Westwood curled an effort wide and Donaldson wasted a good position. In amongst all that Macclesfield managed to beat the Crewe offside trap, but Taylor did enough to prevent Draper taking advantage. Half time came and despite Crewe dominating the game, it was all square.
The second half kicked off with Crewe looking to improve on their first half showing. Powell replaced Grant and the Alex were immediately on the front foot. Miller forced a good save from the Macclesfield keeper and then had an great chance in the area, but could only lift the ball high and wide. Disaster followed as Macclesfield won a corner and Barnett powered in a header. It could have been worse as Macc soon had the ball in the net a second time but fortunately it was ruled out for a foul. Crewe started throwing men forward as the half wore on and Donaldson hit the outside of the post with a chance, but despite the territory and possession, Crewe couldn't force the Macc keeper into a meaningful save. With the arrival of Moore and Leitch-Smith for Donaldson and Murphy, Crewe upped the pressure even further but it looked like being one of those games. Luckily, salvation arrived as Powell carried the ball into the area and as he was tackled it ricocheted to Leitch-Smith, who stepped inside a challenge and slotted the ball into the far corner to level the game.
Both sides looked for a winner in the five minutes of injury time, with Miller coming closest for Crewe, but neither side really looked like pinching it. In the end, it was a relief to get a draw from a game we looked like losing, but overall it was disappointing to only get a point at home. Seven games unbeaten we may be, but that includes five draws and two consecutive draws at home. Got to start notching up some wins, although the fixtures don't give us much room for optimism.
Next up a trip to Chesterfield for the Alex. And a day at home for me as I've got family coming over so can't make the trip.
There should have been no need for a lucky walk for Crewe to beat Macclesfield at home, but clearly our wayward strikers need some sort of cosmic assistance. An evening of missed chances and a touch of luck ended with Crewe snatching a draw from a game that should have been won before half time.
Macclesfield actually made the better start with Barnett getting a shot off that Taylor did well to deflect. Thereafter Crewe took control of the game, but despite creating plenty, never really made a clear cut chance. Miller put in a cross that only just evaded Bell, Westwood curled an effort wide and Donaldson wasted a good position. In amongst all that Macclesfield managed to beat the Crewe offside trap, but Taylor did enough to prevent Draper taking advantage. Half time came and despite Crewe dominating the game, it was all square.
The second half kicked off with Crewe looking to improve on their first half showing. Powell replaced Grant and the Alex were immediately on the front foot. Miller forced a good save from the Macclesfield keeper and then had an great chance in the area, but could only lift the ball high and wide. Disaster followed as Macclesfield won a corner and Barnett powered in a header. It could have been worse as Macc soon had the ball in the net a second time but fortunately it was ruled out for a foul. Crewe started throwing men forward as the half wore on and Donaldson hit the outside of the post with a chance, but despite the territory and possession, Crewe couldn't force the Macc keeper into a meaningful save. With the arrival of Moore and Leitch-Smith for Donaldson and Murphy, Crewe upped the pressure even further but it looked like being one of those games. Luckily, salvation arrived as Powell carried the ball into the area and as he was tackled it ricocheted to Leitch-Smith, who stepped inside a challenge and slotted the ball into the far corner to level the game.
Both sides looked for a winner in the five minutes of injury time, with Miller coming closest for Crewe, but neither side really looked like pinching it. In the end, it was a relief to get a draw from a game we looked like losing, but overall it was disappointing to only get a point at home. Seven games unbeaten we may be, but that includes five draws and two consecutive draws at home. Got to start notching up some wins, although the fixtures don't give us much room for optimism.
Next up a trip to Chesterfield for the Alex. And a day at home for me as I've got family coming over so can't make the trip.
Tuesday, 28 September 2010
If I Can't Change Your Mind
Crewe 1 Oxford 1
Well, clearly the lucky walk up in Bickerton Hills didn't quite work this week. I'm putting that down to an addition to the personnel on the walk and a late change of route. I also didn't go into the bar before the game either this week. Mainly because I was running a bit late, but also because I was off to the Nantwich Beer Festival after the game, so didn't want to spoil that. Still, that's now six unbeaten and we became the first team to score at home against Oxford, who hadn't conceded a goal on their travels.
The first half was a bit poor, to be honest. Oxford set out as expected - two banks of four and everyone behind the ball when they didn't have it. They were inviting us to break them down and, as usual, we struggled against a team defending in numbers. Miller went close with a free-kick and things finally paid off when, from a fortuitously won corner, Artell powered a header in at the near post. By my reckoning that now means we've scored as many goals from corners this season as we've managed in the previous three....
We got to half time ahead but many of the faithful were convinced we'd need a second to kill Oxford off, despite them offering very little in the way of goal threat.
The second half promised a bit more football from Oxford, as they needed to score to get a point. Having weathered an initial burst though it was Crewe making the chances, with Murphy volleying back across the face of goal and Donaldson tamely poking a through-ball at the Oxford keeper. Then, out of nowhere the game was level. Crewe sent the big men up for a corner, which broke to Oxford's forwards and three of them found themselves with only Blanchett between them and the goal. Blanchett did well in delaying them and Artell bust a gut to get back, but despite Taylor saving his first effort, Constable netted the rebound to level the scores.
Crewe thought they'd regained the lead seven minutes later when Donaldson found some space for a shot, but it took a touch from Miller in an offside position on it's way into the net. Still, the referee and his assistant both indicated it was a goal. The Oxford players, rightly, protested and the referee consulted and in the end disallowed the goal. After that the referee really didn't have any control of the game. A cynical barge on Taylor in the Crewe goal sparked a bit of a melee and Artell was lucky to stay on the pitch as he lashed out when trying to get the ball back. The ref waved a couple of cards about but it was far too late by then. Crewe couldn't create a clear cut chance and then Oxford were reduced to ten men when Constable got a second booking for scything down Tootle when he was going nowhere down the touchline. Zola cam on with about two minutes to play but he was never likely to get into the game and so it proved. Oxford ran the clock down and took away a hard-earned point.
I'm sure they'll be very happy with that - it was probably the limit of their ambition. They set out to defend in numbers, make sure Crewe didn't have an easy game and then try to pinch something on the counter-attack.Which is what happened. I think that if Crewe had a reliable goal-scorer, we might have taken all three points, but we haven't had a truly reliable striker since Nicky Maynard left.... Got to find one though, because there'll be tougher games than that ahead, where we have fewer chances.
Hopefully tonight won't be one of those games, when we welcome local rivals, Macclesfield.
Well, clearly the lucky walk up in Bickerton Hills didn't quite work this week. I'm putting that down to an addition to the personnel on the walk and a late change of route. I also didn't go into the bar before the game either this week. Mainly because I was running a bit late, but also because I was off to the Nantwich Beer Festival after the game, so didn't want to spoil that. Still, that's now six unbeaten and we became the first team to score at home against Oxford, who hadn't conceded a goal on their travels.
The first half was a bit poor, to be honest. Oxford set out as expected - two banks of four and everyone behind the ball when they didn't have it. They were inviting us to break them down and, as usual, we struggled against a team defending in numbers. Miller went close with a free-kick and things finally paid off when, from a fortuitously won corner, Artell powered a header in at the near post. By my reckoning that now means we've scored as many goals from corners this season as we've managed in the previous three....
We got to half time ahead but many of the faithful were convinced we'd need a second to kill Oxford off, despite them offering very little in the way of goal threat.
The second half promised a bit more football from Oxford, as they needed to score to get a point. Having weathered an initial burst though it was Crewe making the chances, with Murphy volleying back across the face of goal and Donaldson tamely poking a through-ball at the Oxford keeper. Then, out of nowhere the game was level. Crewe sent the big men up for a corner, which broke to Oxford's forwards and three of them found themselves with only Blanchett between them and the goal. Blanchett did well in delaying them and Artell bust a gut to get back, but despite Taylor saving his first effort, Constable netted the rebound to level the scores.
Crewe thought they'd regained the lead seven minutes later when Donaldson found some space for a shot, but it took a touch from Miller in an offside position on it's way into the net. Still, the referee and his assistant both indicated it was a goal. The Oxford players, rightly, protested and the referee consulted and in the end disallowed the goal. After that the referee really didn't have any control of the game. A cynical barge on Taylor in the Crewe goal sparked a bit of a melee and Artell was lucky to stay on the pitch as he lashed out when trying to get the ball back. The ref waved a couple of cards about but it was far too late by then. Crewe couldn't create a clear cut chance and then Oxford were reduced to ten men when Constable got a second booking for scything down Tootle when he was going nowhere down the touchline. Zola cam on with about two minutes to play but he was never likely to get into the game and so it proved. Oxford ran the clock down and took away a hard-earned point.
I'm sure they'll be very happy with that - it was probably the limit of their ambition. They set out to defend in numbers, make sure Crewe didn't have an easy game and then try to pinch something on the counter-attack.Which is what happened. I think that if Crewe had a reliable goal-scorer, we might have taken all three points, but we haven't had a truly reliable striker since Nicky Maynard left.... Got to find one though, because there'll be tougher games than that ahead, where we have fewer chances.
Hopefully tonight won't be one of those games, when we welcome local rivals, Macclesfield.
Wednesday, 22 September 2010
The Drinking Song
Burton 1 Crewe 1
Having started this blog with the purpose of providing relevant updates fairly close to the end of a match, and to try to stop myself consuming vast quantities of alcohol on a matchday, I'm afraid, last Saturday was a fairly comprehensive disaster. Not only did I get horrendously drunk but I also haven't got round to the update till today.
Well, to be fair, if you're visiting a town that dubs itself "the home of Brewing", you do have to sample a few of the available ales. And what better place to sample those ales, I thought, that the Burton Food and Beer Festival? To be honest, any pub in town would probably have been a better starting place. My companion (Slider) and I arrived at 11.30 duly paid our (rather steep) six pounds entry fee, and found that we were first through the doors and that only one of the four breweries represented was setting up ready to serve punters. Anyway, the lucky man from Burton Bridge Brewery got our custom and we worked our way through the four beers he had available a half pint at a time (Sovereign Gold, XL Bitter, Stairway To Heaven and Bridge Bitter). Well, Slider did, I nipped over to the Freedom Brewery stand to sample their dark lager, which was nice, instead of having a Bridge Bitter. By this time Derventio had set up, so we had a crack at them. I went for a Derventio Barbarian, which looked like coke but tasted nice and Slider had a Cleopatra ("Comin' at Ya!") which seemed alright.
Despite the entertainment on offer (the Gresley Colliery Band) we decided to head off to the ground. Unfortunately, on the way we accidentally stopped off for a quick one in the Alfred on Derby Street. So we only just got to the game in time for kick-off. I had a pint of Guinness on arrival and watched the first twenty minutes or so on TV in the excellent bar under the away end. I ventured out to catch the rest of the first half, in which Burton were on top. Despite this, Crewe had the ball in the back of the net first after Grant nodded home at the far post, but the goal was ruled out for offside. A couple of minutes later and just before half-time, Crewe lost possession in the middle of the park and Magohma was given time and space to pick his spot from 25 yards.
Second half was much better for Crewe but they struggled to create many clear cut chances and were grateful to Luke Murphy for scoring his second goal in as many matches to level things up. We maybe could have won it, but I was happy to come home with a point. Seen the Alex lose too many games like that on the road to complain when we draw one.
Post-match, there was a brief return to the Beer fest for a couple of other ales and to collect a souvenir glass. We managed to miss the train, so went to the pub round the corner. And managed to miss the next train. Still, we managed to catch the one after that and were in Tamworth just in time to catch an earlier connection back to Crewe, arriving home at about half past eight, somewhat the worse for wear. I caught my connection home, got a takeaway and crashed out on the sofa. Slept through Match of the Day and woke up in time to catch the highlights of the Crewe game on the Football League Show. Result.
Next up is a home game with Oxford this Saturday. So that means an early start for the "lucky" walk up in Bickerton Hills, and also a late finish as I'm off to the Nantwich Beer Festival after the match...
Having started this blog with the purpose of providing relevant updates fairly close to the end of a match, and to try to stop myself consuming vast quantities of alcohol on a matchday, I'm afraid, last Saturday was a fairly comprehensive disaster. Not only did I get horrendously drunk but I also haven't got round to the update till today.
Well, to be fair, if you're visiting a town that dubs itself "the home of Brewing", you do have to sample a few of the available ales. And what better place to sample those ales, I thought, that the Burton Food and Beer Festival? To be honest, any pub in town would probably have been a better starting place. My companion (Slider) and I arrived at 11.30 duly paid our (rather steep) six pounds entry fee, and found that we were first through the doors and that only one of the four breweries represented was setting up ready to serve punters. Anyway, the lucky man from Burton Bridge Brewery got our custom and we worked our way through the four beers he had available a half pint at a time (Sovereign Gold, XL Bitter, Stairway To Heaven and Bridge Bitter). Well, Slider did, I nipped over to the Freedom Brewery stand to sample their dark lager, which was nice, instead of having a Bridge Bitter. By this time Derventio had set up, so we had a crack at them. I went for a Derventio Barbarian, which looked like coke but tasted nice and Slider had a Cleopatra ("Comin' at Ya!") which seemed alright.
Despite the entertainment on offer (the Gresley Colliery Band) we decided to head off to the ground. Unfortunately, on the way we accidentally stopped off for a quick one in the Alfred on Derby Street. So we only just got to the game in time for kick-off. I had a pint of Guinness on arrival and watched the first twenty minutes or so on TV in the excellent bar under the away end. I ventured out to catch the rest of the first half, in which Burton were on top. Despite this, Crewe had the ball in the back of the net first after Grant nodded home at the far post, but the goal was ruled out for offside. A couple of minutes later and just before half-time, Crewe lost possession in the middle of the park and Magohma was given time and space to pick his spot from 25 yards.
Second half was much better for Crewe but they struggled to create many clear cut chances and were grateful to Luke Murphy for scoring his second goal in as many matches to level things up. We maybe could have won it, but I was happy to come home with a point. Seen the Alex lose too many games like that on the road to complain when we draw one.
Post-match, there was a brief return to the Beer fest for a couple of other ales and to collect a souvenir glass. We managed to miss the train, so went to the pub round the corner. And managed to miss the next train. Still, we managed to catch the one after that and were in Tamworth just in time to catch an earlier connection back to Crewe, arriving home at about half past eight, somewhat the worse for wear. I caught my connection home, got a takeaway and crashed out on the sofa. Slept through Match of the Day and woke up in time to catch the highlights of the Crewe game on the Football League Show. Result.
Next up is a home game with Oxford this Saturday. So that means an early start for the "lucky" walk up in Bickerton Hills, and also a late finish as I'm off to the Nantwich Beer Festival after the match...
Wednesday, 15 September 2010
To Love Is To Bury
Crewe 3 Bury 0
Not sure how confident the Bury fans were before this game, but there were plenty of doubts circling in among the Crewe fans. Bury had had a decent start to the season, featured three of our ex-players and are expected to to make the top ten again this season. One or two were suggesting a draw would be the likely outcome. I, on the other hand, was pretty confident. Not only did I fancy the Alex to win it, but I also had the back up of knowing that I was having a lucky pre-match walk up in Bickerton Hills. After all, it worked against Barnet...
Well, I went for the planned pre-match walk with Charlie and his dog, Wire. As we were a little short of time, we opted for a slightly shorter and less strenuous route than the Barnet walk. It was still enough of a work out for me, of course. Anything sort of slope gets me a bit puffed out these days...
Was slightly concerned though that changing the route might affect the outcome of the game. Well, I only had to wait three minutes into the match for my faith in the walk to be re-affirmed when Bury's central defender, Efe Sodje (a former Crewe favourite) capped a dreadful opening by knocking the ball across the box to Shaun Miller, who buried his shot across the keeper. One nil and a dream start. The Alex had started at a high tempo and the Bury backline were having all sorts of trouble coping with the pace and movement of the Alex forwards and every time they cleared it, it was the Crewe midfield picking up the bits and pieces. 18 minutes in and we had another goal to celebrate and, for the second time this season, the Alex scored from a corner. Westwood whipped it in from the left and Artell was unchallenged in the box to head home. At this stage in the game Bury were struggling to contain the Alex and, to be honest, we should have probably scored at least one more. As the half hour ticked past Bury started to get a foothold in the game but they rarely threatened the Crewe goal and when they did have sight of it, the shots went tamely wide.
Fair play to Bury though, they plugged away and came out and gave it a go for the first ten minutes of the second half. Crewe weathered the storm, such as it was, with few alarms. and then pushed on looking to increase their advantage. The game truly got away from Bury just after the hour mark when former Crewe midfielder Schumacher capped a frustrating display by recklessy clattering into Zola and earning a second booking and first use of the showers. Zola limped on for a few minutes before being replaced by "wonder kid" Nick Powell. Powell's first meaningful contribution was a shot that was well wide and his second was an air-shot at a cross from Donaldson. Fortunately for him, the ball ran through to Murphy who took it into the area and drove a shot in at the far post. 3- 0 to the Alex and it was starting to look like it could be a cricket score. And perhaps it should have been, Donaldson and Miller had both missed good chances and then Powell earned a penalty which Donaldson saw the Bury keeper, Belford, deflect over the bar with his foot. And right at the death Powell, unmarked in the area, somehow managed to volley a cross from Donaldson into the ground and over the bar.
At the final whistle I had to be extremely happy with that. What many people had seen as a tricky game had been negotiated with ease and not only had we kept a clean sheet, but we'd never looked like conceding. Bell had had a man-of-the-match performance in the middle of the park and Artell and Ada had once again looked as good a central defensive partnership we've had for a while. The only downside of the win is, of course, that I'll have to be out for the "lucky" walk again before the next home game against Oxford. Mind, if we're going to win our home games that comfortably every time, it's worth the sacrifice!
Not sure how confident the Bury fans were before this game, but there were plenty of doubts circling in among the Crewe fans. Bury had had a decent start to the season, featured three of our ex-players and are expected to to make the top ten again this season. One or two were suggesting a draw would be the likely outcome. I, on the other hand, was pretty confident. Not only did I fancy the Alex to win it, but I also had the back up of knowing that I was having a lucky pre-match walk up in Bickerton Hills. After all, it worked against Barnet...
Well, I went for the planned pre-match walk with Charlie and his dog, Wire. As we were a little short of time, we opted for a slightly shorter and less strenuous route than the Barnet walk. It was still enough of a work out for me, of course. Anything sort of slope gets me a bit puffed out these days...
Was slightly concerned though that changing the route might affect the outcome of the game. Well, I only had to wait three minutes into the match for my faith in the walk to be re-affirmed when Bury's central defender, Efe Sodje (a former Crewe favourite) capped a dreadful opening by knocking the ball across the box to Shaun Miller, who buried his shot across the keeper. One nil and a dream start. The Alex had started at a high tempo and the Bury backline were having all sorts of trouble coping with the pace and movement of the Alex forwards and every time they cleared it, it was the Crewe midfield picking up the bits and pieces. 18 minutes in and we had another goal to celebrate and, for the second time this season, the Alex scored from a corner. Westwood whipped it in from the left and Artell was unchallenged in the box to head home. At this stage in the game Bury were struggling to contain the Alex and, to be honest, we should have probably scored at least one more. As the half hour ticked past Bury started to get a foothold in the game but they rarely threatened the Crewe goal and when they did have sight of it, the shots went tamely wide.
Fair play to Bury though, they plugged away and came out and gave it a go for the first ten minutes of the second half. Crewe weathered the storm, such as it was, with few alarms. and then pushed on looking to increase their advantage. The game truly got away from Bury just after the hour mark when former Crewe midfielder Schumacher capped a frustrating display by recklessy clattering into Zola and earning a second booking and first use of the showers. Zola limped on for a few minutes before being replaced by "wonder kid" Nick Powell. Powell's first meaningful contribution was a shot that was well wide and his second was an air-shot at a cross from Donaldson. Fortunately for him, the ball ran through to Murphy who took it into the area and drove a shot in at the far post. 3- 0 to the Alex and it was starting to look like it could be a cricket score. And perhaps it should have been, Donaldson and Miller had both missed good chances and then Powell earned a penalty which Donaldson saw the Bury keeper, Belford, deflect over the bar with his foot. And right at the death Powell, unmarked in the area, somehow managed to volley a cross from Donaldson into the ground and over the bar.
At the final whistle I had to be extremely happy with that. What many people had seen as a tricky game had been negotiated with ease and not only had we kept a clean sheet, but we'd never looked like conceding. Bell had had a man-of-the-match performance in the middle of the park and Artell and Ada had once again looked as good a central defensive partnership we've had for a while. The only downside of the win is, of course, that I'll have to be out for the "lucky" walk again before the next home game against Oxford. Mind, if we're going to win our home games that comfortably every time, it's worth the sacrifice!
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