Ref Russell Swayed Ryan

Hat-trick hero Ryan Lowe has revealed how Saturday's referee Mike Russell played a key part in the Scouser's decision to go for goal late on. Lowe was making his return to the side after a spell on the sidelines, and in his bid to impress Dario felt duty-bound to roll the ball to a teammate as had been practised in training. Lowe eventually went for goal, but only following persuasion from team-mate David Vaughan and referee Mike Russell.

Lowe said, 'To be fair to the referee, he said, 'Go on Lowey, hit it', so I was more than happy to oblige. I asked him how long left and he said two minutes and I thought if I hit the wall and they break I'll be in a bit of trouble. I looked over to Dario and he was shouting over to me, 'roll it'.

Dario commented that he didn't mind Lowe overruling him, but merely thought the free kick was too far out. Crewe Captain Neil Cox also overruled a couple of Dario's suggestions - something Dario claims Kenny Lunt did during his captaincy. The Crewe boss later commented that he feels as captain, Cox has the authority to do so.

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