Crewe’s impressive 8 month unbeaten record in all competitions fell in Strabane today as a much changed side went down to a strong Strabane AFC team.
Strabane AFC 5 Crewe United 1
Intermediate Cup Rd. 1
The home side accommodated the Crewe side who arrived late to the ground and kick off was pushed back 15 minutes. And the visitors looked sluggish from the off with Strabane attacking at pace and causing a lot of problems.
However it was a 20 minute spell that changed the cup tie and dictated the outcome of the match. Kelvin Nelson opened the scoring with a cool, curling finish into the top corner as Crewe were under pressure. Flaherty piled on the agony and scored two goals in 5 minutes as the Glenavy men were shell shocked.
Rory Patterson got in on the act to quickly add a fourth as his bullet free kick went through the wall and Eaton could only watch as it hit the net.
Nelson added a 5th, and his second of the game, for what would be the final home goal of the game in the 29th minute and effectively wrapped up the tie.
Whilst the scoreline suggested a very one sided half, Crewe did have a fair amount of the ball but didn’t look like creating many chances. Strabane on the other hand were clinical and punished every Crewe mistake.
Dylan Whiteway was introduced to the Crewe back line after Michael McQuitty left the pitch after injury.
In the second half Crewe came out with more purpose and character. A special mention to youngsters Jamie Devenny and Conal McDonald getting their First team full debuts and they equipped themselves very well.
Crewe brought on Storey and Calvert and had a few chances to claw things back. However it was only with ten minutes left that Rhys Calvert opened the visitors account and it was all too late.
The rain poured down in Strabane to complete an unhappy trip from a football perspective, but many thanks to Strabane for their help and hospitality over the course of the day and best of luck to them in the next round after a well deserved victory.
Next week our attention turns to the Steel & Sons Cup with a place in the Quarter Finals at stake as we take on Ballymena United Reserves at the Showgrounds.
Tandragee Rovers Res 2 Crewe United Res 2
MUFL Reserve Championship
The Reserves travelled to Madden Road as they took on Tandragee. The First half belonged to Crewe as Darren Connolly and Ryan Kelly scored within 7 minutes of each other to put the visitors in control.
However the second half was only 2 minutes old when Jason Freeburn got Tandragee right back in the game and Matthew McCallen brought the sides level ten minutes later.
Crewe will be disappointed not to leave with all 3 points but another good result on the road for Craig Leworthy’s men.
The Reserves take on Dollingstown Reserves at Crewe Park this coming Friday night, again in league action.
