MOTLEY CREWE 9(6) INTERNET ROYALS 3 (0)
Venue: The Barony, Nantwich
Date: 28Feb98
Team Picture
Better late than never, here's a sort of report from the match ten
days ago. I've had great difficulty writing this, because it was
Motley's first ever match, and I didn't know who half the players
were! So I've incorporated bits of what other people have written -
thanks to you all.
Most of the players arrived at the Barony in Nantwich before the
organiser (oops, sorry). Reading could only muster half a team, so we
lent them some of our players, including our most youthful members.
Motley Crewe had no goalie, so various outfield players took turns in
goal, changing every 10 minutes.
Still 0-0 after 10 minutes, then the floodgates opened. Crewe scored 6
in the first half, including 2 from Gavin Anderson, one a brilliant
solo-run and great finish. Goal number 2 was scored by left back Peter
Ellis with a lob into the top right corner. David Owen scored the
third from the edge of the area. There were 2 by Eric Boldon who (and
I quote here) "despite looking as if he had about as much skill on the
ball as Dele at the start of the season got good at holding it up, did
well and deserved 2 in the first half." (Wonder if we can sell him for
a million?)
Halftime brought the promised orange squash, then back to the fray.
Gavin completed his hat-trick. The score got to 8-0 by midway through
the second half but the general non-fitness of most of our players was
starting to tell. Reading got 3 goals back, 2 by loaned players from
us (!) before we added a 9th. A 10th was ruled out by another piece of
dodgy reffing as he sounded the final whistle with the ball on its way
in! This caused a bit of amusement as some people thought the ref had
deliberately denied Tim Robinson his hat-trick - surely not? (There
was one incident inside the second half where there were 4 Crewe
players offside but the ref did not give it!)
One of our doughty defenders, Simon Davis, reckons we may have a
tougher time in the next match when the strikers may be as big as
Steve Garvey.
We wandered over the road to the Rifleman for beer & chips, only to
find Man U had beaten Chelsea, but they hadn't been able to score as
many goals as Motley Crewe. Thanks to the Internet Royals for sharing
all the fun. We couldn't have done it without them. Thanks also to
players Kristian Miles, Martin Hough, Ed Booth & Paul Briggs (as well
as those mentioned above) for helping with this report. And to Shep
for "reffing". If you haven't been mentioned by name it's only because
my brain can't cope!
Hilary Robinson
(Motley Crewe team mother)
A match played in good spirit, although only about 4 or 5 people from
Reading were able to go, so we lent them some of ours. The game started off
quite evenly, with Reading making the early ground, but after a Crewe shot
from the edge of the area, the attack started. There were 6 by H-T: Two by
Gareth including a brilliant solo-run and great finish and a slightly
mysterious goal which fell to someone on the left edge of the area, and he
lobbed the keeper and it went into the top right hand corner. The crowd
were ectastic. There were 2 by Eric Boldon who despite looking as if he had
about as much skill on the ball as Dele at the start of the season got good
at holding it up did well and deserved 2 in the first half. We all realised
we were so unfit, and after about 10 minutes we were gasping for fresh air.
After the half-time break, 5 minutes of gasping for breath and a drink of
orange the right-back (which was me) decided to go centre forward and after
we had scored 8 (Gareth completed his hat-trick) there was a goal for
Reading due to lack of defenders, and one really lucky deflection 18 yards
out looping into the goal and a third goal. I suppose it was my lack of
defending and being greedy which caused this, next time I will stay and
defend! There was one incident inside the second half where there were 4
Crewe players offside but the ref did not give it! It was soon after 9-3
with a great ball putting the right-winger through who pulled the ball back
and with the last kick of the game Tim completed his hat-trick. Although
the ref blew for time as he kicked it, it was worth a goal, as the decision
to blow was somewhat personal.
Kristian Miles
InterWolves 0 Motley Crewe 4
Motley Crewe's youth development scheme reaped huge
rewards yesterday
as an understrength side containing 3 players still at school
overwhelmed InterWolves by 4 goals to 0.
Shambolic organisationresulted in a delayed kick off and left the
teams changing in the car park. The Crewe side came into the game with
confidence following their previous victory over the Internet Royals,
this quickly evaporated as they realised that they were going to be
playing with only 9 men. A quick negotiation later and we borrowed a
Wolves player (apologies i can't remember his name (Neil??))to make 2
teams of 10.
Playing down the slope in the first half and with a slight wind at
their backs, the Crewe boys took the game to the Wolves, chances were
few and far between with only a glaring miss from Central defender Tim
Robinson from all of a yard out (Ballooned over the bar from that
range) and a long range effort from Wolves tipped over the bar by the
excellent stand in keeper who commanded his area well.
In the second half, Crewe, now playing against the slight wind were
getting in behind the Wolves defence as the ball would hold up for the
forward. Around 10 minutes into the second half, a good move down the
left hand side of the pitch put Jack through to slot the ball past the
advancing keeper, despite brave attempts by the defender on the line,
the ball trickled in to the empty area behind the goal (no nets !!).
This raised the Crewe team who looked very comfortable at the back,
too comfortable in fact as a misunderstanding between Centre half SiD
and the right back Peter resulted in a Wolves forward breaking clear,
his goal bound shot was superbly tipped around the post by the keeper
and that was the last sight of goal that Wolves has in the game.
The Motley Crewe really took control of the game from that point,
stroking the ball around the pitch as the Wolves chased shadows. More
goals were to come as Eric Boldon continued his record of scoring in
every match this season with a good run and finish, following a solid
build up. Arguably the best goal of the game came next with a good
passing move down the right wing involving Martin and Graham resulted
in a high ball in to the area onto which Jack ghosted in and planted a
header firmly past the keeper from around 6 yards out.
The Wolves heads dropped, a change of keepers by Wolves seemed a
desperate measure for a desperate situation.
The final goal came with around 5 minutes to go when Centre half SiD
was given the freedom of the midfield to carry the ball into the
Wolves half, he drew the defence and played Jack in down the right
channel, his run and cross was met by Graham who with the deftest of
touches flicked the ball past the static keeper.
The game went stale after the fourth goal as neither team seemed that
interested in scoring (apart from Jack who was chasing his Hattrick ).
The final whistle blew with the score at Motley Crewe 4 InterWolves 0.
A well deserved victory for the Crewe boys.
Special mention must go to the 'kids' Jack, Peter and Howard who at
times embarrassed Wolves players with their confidence and ability on
the ball, very few times did they give the ball away and they did
exactly what they were told. Well Done lads.
Simon Davis
On the eve of my 24th birthday I expected nothing short of a win.
Unfortunately we didn't quite manage that!
The day started badly when Wolverhampton council shambolically
decided that we didn't need changing rooms. Despite booking a pitch
well in advance there was noone there to unlock the doors etc.
Someone is in for a bollocking before we play our next game, and many
apologies to the Crewe team for the lack of facilities.
Since Crewe only had 9 men, 2 or 3 of them being (very good)
youngsters, we gave them our 'ringer', Chelsea fan Neil. This made it
10 men each as 2 of our players couldn't make it at the last minute.
After recent results have gone against us due to a poor midfield, we
tried some new tactics, 3 at the back and 5 in midfield. For the
first 20 minutes it was all Crewe and it became painfully obvious
that the tactics were seriously flawed. After switching to 5 at the
back and laterly 4 at the back we saw some improvement, but the
shooting from the Wolves players was wayward to say the least.
Our best shot was probably mine, except that was an attemp to
clear the ball and instead I smacked it at Lee in goal who made a
good save to prevent an embaressing moment.
Nick, determined to score against housemate Neil, who had taken over
in goal for Crewe, hit the post with one shot and that was the
closest we got. Interwolves's Neil also had a one on one with
Chelsea Neil but scuffed his shot badly. Meanwhile Crewe always
looked dangerous going forward and passed the ball well to cut
through our lightweight midfield. Lee made a number of good stops
and has obviously been watching Segers closely he was out of his
goalmouth so often.
Early in the second half it could have gone either way, but then 2
injuries severely weakened the Wolves team. Rich went down several
times with an ankle injury, though he almost scored from a corner
before injuring himself the second time. Bob was been trodden on
during the first half and could barely walk thus was thrust into a
defensive role whilst myself and Steve tried to take some control of
the midfield as well as the defence.
Sadly our 8 fit men were no match for the Crewe midfield who had too
much space for their own good. Despite my attempts at trying to
tackle the entire Crewe frontline within the space of 30 seconds they
scored 1, then another, then another. The fourth just rubbed it in!
We had our chances, but too often they were solo runs that ended with
poor shots. Ian went on a fabulous run but his shot would have graced
Geoff Thomas's boots. Steve had a number of shots in an otherwise
fine game but couldn't hit the target.
Towards the end of the game Rich swapped with Lee to become our
goalkeeper, then proceeded to try and injure himself even more by
smacking his right hand against the post whilst trying to make a
save. I have no sympathy though, especially not after he laughed at
my stupendous attempts to tackle several players whilst writhing
around on the floor. Lee himself revelled in his new role, supposedly
at the back but in actual fact he looked rather good going forward.
At one point I thought perhaps he was the answer to our midfield
problems in fact.
Final score was 4-0. Neil commented after the game that the back 4
was the best he had played with and that Crewe's youngsters (aged
12?) were really good. Meanwhile the problems in the Wolves camp
continue with everyone playing more like Dougie Freedman than Carl
Robinson. Next game there shall be a small introduction to something
called 'passing', perhaps our midfield/strikers have heard of it?
On a serious note, for some reason I enjoyed this more than some of
our other recent defeats and despite the lack of facilities I hope
the Crewe side also enjoyed themselves.
Thanks to everyone that played. I hope Bob and Rich have recovered by
today (My body is killing me!) while Warren and Dave looked knackered
after 5 minutes on Saturday, though Warren in particular did well at
times.
Alex
What has happened to the form of the Interwolves team.
Before Christmas we
were a team full of goals, now it's one goal in the last four matches and we
have conceded 17. If we had our own 'stable' they'd be jumping off high
bridges at this point and even the most happiest of clappers would be hard
pressed to bring their hands together.
On Saturday we played a Crewe team who included two kids in their team. They
had only played one match before I believe and they hammered us. They even
had a goalkeeper who looked pretty similar to someone who has played for us
in the past.
Up front, I don't get a great view of what's happening elsewhere on the
pitch because everywhere else is too far away for me to run to. I spent most
of the match running left to right trying to get away from my marker who
wouldn't give me a moment alone. If Crewe were attacking he had the annoying
habit of moving his defence up towards the half way line and I had a job
keeping up with them such was the poor level of my fitness. The boggy pitch
didn't help.
The opening exchanges were fairly encouraging - they looked poor up front
and Lee was having a good game in goal when they managed to get a shot on
target.
Their first good opportunity saw one of their attackers cut in from the left
and hammer a shot against the underside of the bar and out again. Maybe they
weren't so poor after all.
Playing uphill against the wind was a struggle for the Interwolves side and
Crewe were making good use of their advantage. In the second half, the wind
turned 180 degrees and we played into the wind again - typical.
I should point out that my recollection of the goals is vague. I know the
score was 5-0 to them and one goal stands out above all others.
A cross from the right found one of 'the kids' who planted a header into the
goal. I have to say that the younger element of the Crewe side really
impressed me with their ability. They rarely lost the ball and their control
and passing was really good - much superior to anything the Interwolves
could muster. Have Interwolves got a youth policy?
We had our chances, I celebrated one goal only to find out that the keeper
(who was he???) had pulled off a great save. Steve had a great effort in the
second half that just went over the bar. I admit to being either too greedy
or too adventurous on a few occasions and I was really embarressed when I
tried a Paul Simpson shot from 30 yards out that sailed high and wide.
The crisp passing game that Interwolves adopted against Reading before
Christmas has disappeared. Some of this is due to the personnel who have not
been available to the team but I still feel that it's the way to play. Ask
anyone who was at Reading, we were outstanding that day.
Crewe were more willing to throw people forward when they attacked, they
always seemed to have four or five in and around the box which made it hard
for Interwolves to relieve the pressure. When the ball was cleared it
invariably fell to a Crewe player. They passed the ball around - at the
back, in midfield and up front and it becomes a bit demoralising chasing
shadows (and bloody tiring also).
There was no referee for the match, and there was also no fouls awarded.
Even what looked like a blatent back pass was negoitiated down to a corner.
No malice, no aggro - a complete change from the miserable, moaning game
against the Bluenoses. We may have lost, but at least this was a friendlier
game.
Sorry we couldn't provide you with a win for your Birthday Alex - maybe next
year.
Ian
Internet Stockport County 5 Motley Crewe 2
The Pride of Cheshire match took place at Aquinas
College just off the A6. As kick off approached I realised that my expected keeper had not
shown up. This meant a bit of a reshuffle. Simon and Matt both had to leave at half time
to go to their job in the club shop. Add to this one player was going to turn up late and
I had a few things to get worked up. For the record our squad was: Craig the
Volleymeister, Rick the Divingheadermeister, David Le hatter, Dave M-S, Chris M-S, Brian
Jenkins, Gary Merrell, Ste Curran, Mark Curran, Ste Johnson, Simon Johnson, Matt from the
Shop, Matt Bird, Matt Savage and Mark Roach. Four of these players making debuts.
I was rested from playing duties to save me for the Wilmslow Half Marathon
the next day. Unfortunately I had not managed to get a ref for the match
so I ended up having to do it myself.
Motley Crewe as you would expect from a side from Darioland was a blend of
youth and more youth, with a couple of old heads in there as well.
County won the toss and decided to shoot up the slope. The opening goal on
five minutes came when there was a scramble in the Crewe area. Dave M-S
laid the ball back to DAVID LE HATTER who fired into into the roof of
the net from the edge of the area. Five minutes later it was 2-0 when
JENKINS met a corner on the volley and blasted it into the net. Things got
worse for the Alex when Craig Walsh was upended in the box. It was a cast
iron penalty despite the Alex grumbles about my reffing. (I will award
penalties in friendlies if it is a penalty ) There si no way Craig would
fall over when he was in aa position to shoot. DAVE M-S put the pen straight
down the middle. It could have been a rout but the Alex came back
into the game. Some neat interplay around the edge of the box saw them
get a goal back from their Robbie Savage lookielikey. A couple of minutes
later it was 3-2 when County completely failed to defend a corner. I was
rotating subs all the time and there were some good performances coming out
of players. Debutants Gary Merrell at centre half and Brian Jenkins at centre
forward were doing well despite being twice the age and three times the
weight of their opponents. The game was flowing end to end with good
competative football. Either side looked like they could score. Matt and Simon
shot off having done a very good job and the County squad did not look quite
so strong.
At 3-2 at half time it was perfectly poised. The second half continued like
the first. County were not making great use of the slope and Crewe had a
number of chances to equalise. Chris M-S who had replaced Ste Johnson in
goal made a number of very good saves. Dave M-S was working very very hard
in midfield. The original members of the mailing list team from two years
ago (Matt Bird, Matt Savage and Ste Curran) must have found it strange to
be in a team playing so well. Ste Curran was our first ever goalscorer
in our first tournament and in this match his brother decided the game.
CURRAN (M) broke down the left hand side and from the edge of the box
unleashed a shot into the roof of the net. Next up Rick the Divingheadermeister unleashed
a shot that the keeper could only parry but it ended up in the back of the net. At 5-2 the
Alex continued to create chances. The County team had their chances as well with one or
two embarassing bits of finishing from certain individuals that saw them banished to the
touchline. Mark Roach came on for his debut and showed some neat touches up front. At the
final whistle I felt that the scoreline flattered County a bit.......but hey its a win
Full time: Internet Stockport County 5 Motley Crewe 2
Then it was back to EP for the big match with the Pretty Boys winning
with a dodgy penalty in the last minute. Funnilly enough I felt sorry for the ref having
*tried* to ref the match in the morning.
The Alex team have some very good players, particularly down the middle
of the pitch with 4, 5 and 6 the pick of the bunch. Good to see clubs
like them getting a team together. The game was played in a decent
spirit and I think everyone enjoyed it - buts its not easy to tell when
you are the ref.
Sandy
New Motley Crewe player Andy Joddrell and myself
arrived in Stockport
from Liverpool just before 10am. By 10:30, as we changed into the superb
shirts provided by John Fleet, it was clear that we would have enough
players for a few subs, even after the ruckus fought for Danny Murphy's shirt.
Stockport looked about twice as big as us, but we reassured ourselves
that the bigger they are the harder they fall. Someone pointed out that the
bigger they are the harder they tackle too. Crewe line up as follows
1. Neil (guest player, Gant's mate)
2. Chris (RB)
3. Billy (LB)
4. Tim (CB)
5. SiD (CB)
6. Ed (CM)
7. Martin (RM)
8. Andy (CM)
9. Eric (CF)
10. Paul (LM)
11. Gant (CF)
Not all the numbers are accurate, but I have got the starting line up correct.
It was an experimental line up, with many changes from the Wolves
match. With 15 players, we could afford to give the younger players a rest,
and with Kev being added to the squad for the first time, the subs were
Howard, Peter, Jack, and Kev. We had another different Neil in nets, Billy
and Andy making their debuts at left back and in centre midfield
respectively, and Gant was tried up front as oppose to his normal midfield
role. Paul and Ed were given a chance to show what they could do in midfield.
From the start County showed they planned to keep the pressure on
with a lot of high and long balls upfield, and it was County who opened the
scoring when a corner came in, was half headed away by SiD, but was finished
clinically by the County centre forward. County were to look threatening all
afternoon in the air. Not long after it was 2-0 to the home side when a run
down the left wing and a ball into the box caught out the Crewe defence.
Billy and myself went for the ball, and the ref gave a penalty, despite at
least one of the Crewe defenders clearly playing the ball. The penalty was
struck down the middle, past Neil's dive to the left. The third goal was a
long range effort which left Neil with no chance, the ball landing in the
very top right hand corner of the goal. Soon after this, I swapped Andy and
Gant, to try and get Gant more into the game, and try and get some pace up
front. Eric was having a difficult game at centre foward, as the County
defence were matching him for power, and for a while Crewe couldn't get
going. There was a nasty clash of heads when Andy was clattered from behind,
and Kev came on to replace him. After the bang to the head Andy didn't look
like he knew where he was or what he was doing, very much like Rivo really.
However, Crewe soon showed signs of getting back in the game and
the changes seemed to be working as Andy had three clear chances to get
Crewe back in the game, as Gant and Paul started to create. Gant then beat
his man and slotted the ball through for Eric, who cooly slotted home. 3-1.
Crewe dominated for the rest of the half, although somewhat like the first
team, seemed somewhat reluctant to shoot. From a corner however, Crewe made
it 3-2 when Paul sent one in, and Kev, who'd just come on, beat the keeper
to the ball and stooped low to head home. The keeper was forced to make 2
more good saves before half time, although the last attack of the half saw
Neil make a great stop at the edge of his area.
HALF TIME: COUNTY 3 CREWE 2
In the second half, Crewe never really seemed to get going. Martin
made way for Jack on the right hand side of midfield, and Peter replaced
Chris at right back. Chris gave a very sound and competent performance,
covering the centre backs and pushing forward to support the attack, and it
was a shame he had to leave at half time. Neil in the Crewe goal was forced
into some saves early on, and it took a couple of last gasp tackles to
prevent County going 2 up. In a good move involving Kev and Gant, I made a
rare apperance in the other teams half, and hit the bar with a shot from
just outside the area. County seemed to have an extra bit of drive, and were
now going down the slope. It was 4-2 when County broke, and the Crewe
defence were caught flat footed. There was a suspiscion of offside, but the
goal stood. More changes saw Andy and Martin come back on in place of Ed and
Paul, Andy moving to centre back, his 4th position of the day, Martin going
up front and me moving into midfield alongside Gant.
Crewe once again took the upper hand, and the young County
goalkeeper saw lots of the ball, holding crosses and through balls. He then
made an excellent save from Gant, after a great move from the edge of our
own box which saw clever midfield passing, the keeper's legs stopping Gant's
shot from my through ball. County hit us on the break with a sucker punch
from this effort, and although the ball was scooped away from the goal, it
had already crossed the line from a shot following a quick break down the
county right. 5-2. Crewe continued to press, and Eric, Peter and Gant all
had chances to even the scoreline up a bit. The last chance of the game fell
to myself, as a corner from Martin saw the keeper wait for the ball to come
to him. I nipped in and just failed to get a proper connection. Although
this has been described as a glaring miss in some circles I can emphatically
deny those allegations. I just wish I had a neck as long as Ian Rush's.
Howard and Paul came on towards the end as Crewe looked to get one back but
we lacked both the energy and the imagination.
Crewe will be worried about the injuries sustained to Andy (sore
ear) and Tim (swollen ankle/pulled hamstring) as they look to Huddersfiel in
a fortnight's time. The manager will look perhaps to fine the players in a
George Graham style after the disappointment of defeat. Final impressions;
we were beaten by the better team, although maybe it was closer than 5-2.
Billy and Andy had very impressive debuts. Ed, Chris and Paul did very well
in their second games. The three littluns were less prominent than against
Wolves, and somehow we lacked the finishing, but overall a good performance.
Again Gant did very well once he came back to midfield.
TIM
Huddersfield Town Internet FC 4 Motley Crewe 2
Well I made it for the second half, to arrive to find the Motley Crewe 3-0 down.
I was told they had been playing against the wind in the first half and that Huddersfield
were a "professional" outfit.
Anyway, with the wind at their backs in the second half, the Motley Crewe looked anything
but second-best as Tim Robinson was pulling the strings and indeed may well have won had
his effort towards the end found the net for an equaliser. It was deflected high over the
goalkeeper but also over the bar. Before that the Motley Crewe had scored 2 good goals to
give themselves a chance. Shortly after Tim's
chance, Huddersfield broke forward and made sure of it. 4-2.
With about a minute to go, a red shirt was flung in my direction, and there I was making
my debut for the Motley Crewe in a defensive position, with just enough time to touch the
ball twice and handle it
on the final whistle. Having received the ball from the goalie, it was blown along the
astroturf faster than I could run after it, but having caught it I tried to play a 1-2
with Tim on my right, only for it to come bouncing back and hit me on the arm. Never
deliberate - ref!
My wife says she has never seen me run so fast. Anyway I enjoyed my little involvement,
and may well give it another go given a chance. Pity about the subsequent performance from
the senior team later that
afternoon. The baguettes in the pub afterwards were good though.
David Glover
Net.Terriers (Huddersfield Town Internet FC)
4 Motley Crewe 2 (H/T 3-0)
Played at Leeds Road Astroturf, Saturday 11th April 1998.
Following on from a 5-2 loss to Stockport last time out, the Motley Crewe
were looking to improve their record against a very well organised
Huddersfield Internet team. Losing the toss, Crewe had to play into the
wind in a difficult first half, which maybe proved to be their undoing.
Starting strongly, the Motleys launched several attacks into the Town box,
with a couple of stray efforts, and also forcing their keeper into action.
With everything looking reasonable and the side playing quite well,
suddenly it all went slightly awry. Tim took a goalkick, but promptly
passed it straight to the opposition forward who calmly placed it around
the diving Motley goalkeeper. 1-0 to Huddersfield. This did not faze the
Crewe team and they promptly launched another series of attacks into the
Huddersfield half, but unfortunately not worrying the Town keeper on this
occasion. With it becoming increasingly difficult to get the ball clear of
the Crewe half, it was no real surprise when from a good right wing cross,
Hudderfield midfielder Stuart Hill flicked the ball into the net for 2-0.
Worse was to follow as almost straight from the kick off Town attacked
again, Derek Marshall in the Crewe goal failed to punch clear a cross and
Huddersfield gratefully converted. Fortunately for Crewe, no further goals
were conceded in the remainder of the half, and the Motleys went in 3-0
down at half time. Knowing that they would have the wind at their backs in
the second half, which was having a direct influence on the game, the Crewe
team were confident that they could pull the game around. This confidence
was justified with plenty of Crewe pressure in the early stages of the
second half, and it was no surprise when they pulled a goal back after 50
minutes, Darren Howard converting a well placed shot over and wide of the
advancing keeper. This worried Huddersfield and they started to pull men
back into their own half and began to play on the break. Crewe we rewarded
with a second goal after about 65 minutes, Darren Howard again keeping his
head to finish well. At 3-2 the Motleys really fancied themselves to at
least pull level, and Tim Robinson was pushing forward more and generally
creating difficulties for the Town Defence. Town were now relying on a
mixture of desperate defence and counter attacking, and keeper Derek
Marshall had to be alert to save at the feet of the attacker on one such
breakaway. Crewe were now doing everything but score, Tim had a good shot
somehow deflected over for a corner. Failing to convert this chance proved
to be costly, as Huddersfield broke shortly after, and despite appeals for
offside, converted to make it 4-2 with only a few minutes left. Simon
Davis took his frustration out on the poor ref, and now faces disciplinary
action from manager Hilary !
From this point the game was played out with no real chances for either
side, and the final score was 4-2 to Huddersfield. A good game, played in
good spirit between the two sides, (with one exception :) ).
Thanks to everyone involved from both teams for the organisation, and I'll
hopefully get to see you all again on the 25th.
Derek Marshall
It seems so long ago now, but on Saturday morning
the usual suspects (no newbies this time as the squad settles ready for WorldNet) turned
up at Leeds Road playing fields ready for action against Crewe.
Due to the Crewe lot not being quite as organised as we are (sometimes you need to use a
phone rather than email to ensure a message gets round), mild panic ensued amongst the
Alex fans as they did a quick trainer count on discovering that the match was to be played
on astroturf due to rain (and the Easter Fair) for the past few days putting the grass
pitches out of action.
Anyway, 10:30 sharp and we kicked off, Crewes smart numbered shirts countered by our
mismatch of players wearing hats and gloves, and after an opening Town attacking move, it
was Crewe who had the better of the first 20 minutes, the Town defence holding firm under
a near onslaught of Crewe
pressure, with very little blue and white action in return.
Town started to gain their shape after these opening 20 minutes, Paul Sykes
and Nigel Taylor both stumbling over each other and the ball in the 6 yard
box when it looked easier to score, and a couple of balls floated over sat
on the wind just a bit too much to provide real danger in the Crewe box.
Just as Crewe were starting to show their frustrations at not getting the
ball in the back of the net after a spell of good play, a bad bit of mishandling by the
Crewe keeper left our very own Graham Sykes to pick up the pieces with an easy goal from 2
yards, totally against the run of play,and being Towns first shot on target.
This turned the tide somewhat, and we quickly won the ball back from the ensuing centre to
set up camp in the Crewe half of the pitch. 10 minutes more play and Stu Hill got a well
deserved goal after some strong battling in the penalty area, one shot coming back off a
defender (or maybe a post)
for Stu to power away from on the ground. Stu got his 2nd and Towns 3rd a
few minutes later, a cheeky ball splitting the Crewe defence wide open (not
for the last time that day), he looked to have been wrong footed but neatly
looped the ball in from 6 yards, 3-0, Crewe starting to get frustrated and
we were well in control.
Half time whistle went, and we regrouped, playing to defend the 3-0 lead and clean sheet
rather than setting the target of scoring another 3.
Unfortunately, the clean sheet was soon lost, as Crewe started the half on
top and made it 3-1 within 5 minutes. A war of attrition ensued, punctuated
with pacy Crewe counter attacking to the slower build up of the Town gameplan, but with
Crewe scoring a 2nd to send it 3-2 with 20 minutes to go things started to get a bit edgy
with Crewe getting their wind.
With Town reorganising at the back and striving with much aplomb to get the
killer 4th goal, Crewes frustration started to boil over, as they started to complain at
every decision the referee did, or didnt make and every Town attacking move was greeted by
a shout of 'offside' (even tho there was often a chap with his hand up shouting offside in
a deeper position to the attacking player!).
Eventually, Town did break through, with Paul Kelly (in at right wing) running past 2
static defenders (shouting 'offside'!) to collect the ball with a 30 yard clear run at
goal and a nice finish to make it 4-2 and
effectively ending Crewes chance at fighting back into the game.
Nigel
