The u23’s capped off a superb season in style last night as they lifted the O’Hara Cup, defeating defending Champions Banbridge Rangers Reserves by a single goal.
The game itself wasn’t for the purest with the first half being a tight and cagey affair particularly in the opening exchanges.
It came to life towards the end of the First half when the lively Jamie Devenny wriggled through a couple of tackles only for some last ditch defending to block his shot. The evergreen Andy Mallen also made a chance for Banbridge as he flicked the ball up after a poor clearance from Crewe and his superb volley was tipped over the bar from Williamson.
The second half opened up as spaces began to appear as both sides felt the effects from the heat.
The turning point of the game was on 62 minutes when Matty Williamson in the Crewe goal produced a fine save from Josh Martin who had broken through the Crewe defence.
Crewe immediately went on the attack and Jamie Devenny forced a good save from Mark Dawson with his feet. However the attack wasn’t over and Josh Montgomery won a penalty as he had his shirt pulled back in the box. Jonny Doyle despatched the resulting penalty for Crewe.
Crewe created further chances but couldn’t find another goal to kill
off the game. The Crewe back line stood firm to anything thrown at them with Ciarnan ‘Ging’ McKeating having an excellent game alongside Lewis Hunter.
The final chance came in the final minutes as a free kick from Mallen was headed just over the bar from Chrissy Chambers.
The full time whistle went to secure the O’Hara Cup for the second time in 3 seasons as Captain Darragh Stewart lifted the trophy. It will take pride of place at Crewe Park along with the Premier Cup won by the First team back in January.
A special mention to Anto Moran and Paul Harvey for all their hard work and dedication with this young group of players. With some fantastic performances the future is bright and we look forward to welcoming more young players to Crewe and provide a pathway to senior football.
