Crewe 2-2 Barnet

Clayton Donaldson saved a point for Crewe after an abject performance against Barnet at Gresty Road yesterday.

The former York striker took advantage of an initially bright start from the Alex, running in behind the Barnet defence to slot home in just the 13th minute.

As we've seen so many times though the goal changed the game for the worse, in Crewe's case anyway. Barnet slowly got to grips with things and within another 15 minutes they had turned the game on it's head.

A slip by Harry Worley on the 23rd minute opened things up for John O'Flynn unleashed a thunderous shot from the edge of the area, flying into the top left corner with the help of the fingers of Steve Phillips.

More dreadful defending five minutes later and the refusal to tackle led to Barnet's second. As the ball was passed about the penalty area by the Barnet attack the Crewe defence stayed their distance, eventually seeing Matthew Lockwood fire home with the help of a John Brayford deflection.

The first half was seen out with little inspiration from the Alex team, Barnet were comfortable without looking a great side.

The second half was slightly better from Dario's men but chances were still few and far between. Ashley Westwood's burst forward surprised all as he fired the ball onto the right hand post whilst a free kick of Westy's was parried out by Jake Cole in the Barnet net.

With 10 minutes remaining the chances of a Alex come back was looking slim until a moment of inspiration from Dario & Westwood. Westwood worked a 'training ground free kick' to perfection, from 25 yards out feeding the ball to Joel Grant who laid it off to the unmarked Clayton Donaldson who had the simple task of slotting past the keeper from 10 yards out.

It was the fourth time in the last seven matches the Alex had snatched a goal in the final 10 minutes to save a point (or three).

It however does nothing to paper over the cracks. It was another poor performance; the defence - O'Donnell and Worley in particular - were not at home and the midfield was weak (Westy aside). The attack (and game) was saved by Clayton Donaldson and his good finishing but Shaun Miller's inclusion continues to baffle many.

The result ultimately doesn't matter, it doesn't effect our chances this season, but the performance offers no hope for next year. Not that we'll be fearing the Conference next season (fingers crossed) but there's nothing there to say we can mount a promotion push.

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