Grant Double Puts Crewe Through

Joel Grant netted a winner in extra time against Macclesfield to put Crewe into the Cheshire Premier Cup final.

The former Aldershot winger had already taken the match into extra time having equalised following a 60th minute opener from a Macclesfield penalty.

The Alex fielded a strong side made up in the main of first team players who didn't play at the weekend. It meant a run out for the likes of Steve Phillips, Luke Murphy and Joel Grant whilst academy youngsters Oliver Turton and Harry Clayton got a taste of senior football.

The win was much deserved with the Alex looking the better side throughout, though a shock was nearly on the cards when the referee had spotted a handball in the box; he didn't hesitate to point to the spot and Macclesfield striker Chalmers didn't waste the opportunity to put his side 1-0 in front.

However, it took just minutes for Joel Grant to level the scores, finding space inside the box his shot on the turn may have taken a deflection but it still found its way into the back of the net.

The Alex could have tied the match up before the end of the 90 minutes and even had a penalty call turned away but it seemed like the game just may go the distance as it went into extra time.Thankfully though penalties were not to be required, with Joel Grant curling a winner into the top corner from the edge of the area.

Dario Gradi watched on after asking his 'second string' to give him something to think about ahead of the weekend game against Burton Albion and Joel Grant's double will do his chances no harm.

The Alex progress into the Premier Cup final with tonight's win where we'll be facing Stockport County. It's a chance of silverware at least.

Attendance: 291

Crewe Alexandra: Phillips, Turton, Short, Dugdale, Martin, Shelley, Powell, Murphy (C), Grant, Sarcevic, H Clayton

Subs: Fogler, Ray, Koral, Hughes

Macclesfield Town: Cudworth, Beardsley, Tremarco, Diagne, Brisley, Lowe, Hamshaw (C), Draper, Daniel, Chalmers, Wedgbury

Subs: Moss, Lane, Daniels, Cook, Hewitt

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