Crewe Hold On For Derby Cup Shock

A Shaun Barker own goal has put Crewe into the second round of the Carling Cup.

After the 45th minute blunder from the Derby defender, the Alex managed to hold on to seal the win against the Championship side, causing one of the upsets of the night.

It maybe should have been a more comfortable win too. Clayton Donaldon, Shaun Miller and David Artell all went close before the deadlock was broken.

What could have been another frustrating night, with our finishing called into question following Saturday's defeat to Hereford, changed for the better in first half stoppage time. Pressure from Calvin Zola paid off as he forced Barker to turn the ball into his own net.

Derby boss Nigel Clough turned up the heat in the second half, bringing on former Alex hero Rob Hulse on up front, but as Derby upped the pressure in the final minutes the Alex and in particular goalkeeper Rhys Taylor stood firm.

It meant a unhappy return for four former Alex players. James Bailey, John Brayford, Robbie Savage and Rob Hulse notched up hundreds of games for the Railwaymen between them and all four finished the game for The Rams.

The Alex though march on into the second round with the prospect of playing a non-European-participating Premier League side. Stoke anyone?

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.