For the second season in a row Crewe lost their opening game of the season as Bourneview Mill ran out deserved winners in an action packed game to kick off the season.
It started badly for the home side when Jackson Nesbitt took advantage of some poor defending to slot home from close range after 2 minutes.
Crewe looked dangerous as they pushed to find an early response. Paul Scullion couldn’t find the net when through on Bourneview keeper McKinstry who made a good save.
As Crewe pressed the visitors broke away and as Crewe failed to clear their lines again Darragh Gray took full advantage and made it 2 nil after just 9 minutes.
The home side still looked composed and had chances to get a goal back. However Conal Burns failed to convert a penalty kick for Crewe just before half time which looked to be a turning point in the game.
HT: 0-2
No doubt the home side’s ears were ringing from the half time team talk but with only a couple of minutes gone into the second half all hope of a come back disappeared.
McBriarty on his debut for Crewe was dismissed for a deliberate hand ball on the edge of the box with no imminent danger.
Down to ten men the Glenavy side failed to apply any real pressure and the game was petering out when the visitors hit Crewe on the counter and made it 3-0 through Jake Gilpin.
The home side pulled one back through Conor Maxwell from the spot but it was scant consolation for a poor collective display.
FT: 1-3
Well done to Bourneview who deserved the win and we wish them well for the season. Crewe now turn their attention to a difficult trip to Markethill Swift’s on Tuesday night.
