Crewe travelled to Markethill Swifts and came away with all 3 points, at what has always been a difficult place to win, and remain top of Intermediate ‘A’.
MUFL Intermediate ‘A’
Markethill Swifts 0 Crewe United 1
The first half opened with both teams finding their way in difficult conditions which made for a scrappy game in the first ten minutes. It wasn’t long however before Crewe began exerting their authority and the passing improved.
The Swifts were being pinned into their own half as the pressure grew and it wasn’t long before the deadlock was broken. After a deep cross from Tiernan Mulvenna the ball was retrieved by Tiernan McAuley who cut into the box and was hauled down for a penalty. The ever reliable Conor Maxwell despatched the resulting spot kick on 22 minutes.
Crewe continued to knock on the door without creating many clearcut chances. Noel Halfpenny was lost through injury after half an hour to be replaced by the ever reliable Ronan Brannigan in midfield.
HT: 0-1
The second half opened in much the same vein with Crewe dominating possession but Markethill tried to put Whiteway and Youle under pressure with long balls up front. Matson in the Crewe goal was never troubled though as the visitors back line stood firm.
The flow of the game turned however on 70 minutes when Tiernan Mulvenna was dismissed for a second yellow. This was the signal for more long balls into the Crewe box.
Again though, the Crewe goal was never really under threat and the Glenavy men saw out the remainder of the game to deservedly come away with the points.
FT: 0-1
Another comfortable performance from Crewe and next week we are back at Crewe Park as we entertain Valley Rangers.
The Reserves game today was postponed as Derryhirk Reserves failed to field a side in the O’Hara Cup and now progress to the next round to play Guildford.
