Vital Crewe At Alsager

A Gary Roberts penalty and Shaun Miller drive earnt Crewe a fairly comfortable win at Alsager tonight.

Alsager 1-2 Crewe

The team was a mixtured of youth, experience and trialists. Nick Farquharson started up front with Shaun Miller whilst Neil Cox captained from defence. Mat Bailey made his first start in his new defensive role, along side Woodards & Billy Jones. The midfield had a mixture with Gary Roberts, new signing Colin Daniel, young James Bailey and trialist Greg Stones.

The Alex were fairly comfortable on possession throughout the game and created plenty of chances. Shaun Miller looked bright throughout the game and nearly helped take the lead when he cleverly skinned a Alsager defender, opening space for a shot, but he unselfishly set it back for Farquharson who failed to reach the ball in time.

The Alex continued to pressure though and when Gary Roberts was tumbled in the box there was only one choice for the referee. The penalty was converted with ease by Roberts.

It didn't take long for Crewe to double the lead, Shaun Miller getting a deserved goal as his run down the left flank saw him cut inside but smashing it past the keeper.

The second half saw the Alex threaten with the pacey Farquharson going close and Greg Stones heading just over. However, it was the home side who scored the only goal of the half as a defensive mix up saw the Bullets striker slam home from inside the area.

Overall, a good work out for the Crewe side and gave Baker a good chance to assess the youngsters like Farquharson and James Bailey whilst giving Stones another chance to impress.

Player Ratings

Owain Fon Williams - Spilled a couple of balls early on but over all a fairly solid performance, no major work to do.

Danny Woodards - Some brilliant runs down the right side and excellent recovery work at the back.

Mat Bailey - Looked comfortable enough against poor opposition. Will need a season or two to grow into the role but has the definite makings of a centre back.

Neil Cox - Solid professional performance from Cox, leading the team.

Billy Jones - Made good runs down the wing that went un-noticed with the team and was comfortable in defence. Some excellent corners and crosses from the left foot.

Gary Roberts - Probably the best player on the pitch. Shone with his flair and passing.

Greg Stones - A really solid performance from the trialist.

James Bailey - Impressive at covering the pitch and likes a shot or two.

Colin Daniel - May take a bit of time before he's up to League One but he improved as the game went on. Impressive runs down the wing, good tackling and some tricks thrown in.

Shaun Miller - Tore Alsager ragged and really showed what an excellent prospect he is. Expect to see a lot lot more of him next season.

Nick Farquharson - A impressive performance. Very tricky and pacey, may need another season or so to become league standard but has the makings of a very skillful little striker.

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