August Review

Crewe concluded their pre-season programme with victories against Derby and Stockport at the Alexandra Stadium. A under strength Rams team were despatched 2-0 courtesy of second half goals from Mark Carrington and Julian Baudet. Two late goals saved our blushes in the Cheshire derby against Stockport, Miller and Maynard were on had to complete the win.

The league one programme got underway with a victory against Brighton. After going behind we battled back to win 2-1. Gary Roberts got both goals to sink the Seagulls. A serious injury to Nicky Maynard soured the opening day win and left us with a major striking dilemma.

As a result Crewe stepped up the search for a new striker, names galore were mentioned with a move. Jemal Johnson, John Hartson and Nick Chadwick had been linked as names to solve our striking conundrum.

Our participation in the League Cup came and went, Hull City won 3-0 despite us having the fair percentage of the play on the evening. Youngsters Tom Pope and Shaun Miller led the line.

After the game it emerged that we would be signing Charlton`s Chris Dickson on a month`s loan. The former Dulwich Hamlet player made his debut in the 1-1 draw at Bristol Rovers, Tom Pope grabbed his first senior goal for the club as the Alex defended doggedly to share the spoils at the Memorial Ground.

The on/off saga involving the loan deal for Lee Barnard rumbled on all month, after being given the green light to secure his services injury to the Tottenham player delayed the youngster arrival as we continued to struggle in the attacking department.

The shock of the month was David Vaughan`s 300,000 move to Spanish side Real Sociedad. He was in the last year of his contract and the board reluctantly decided to cash in on the talent Welsh winger.

Early pacesetters Leyton Orient came to the Alexandra Stadium and won 2-0 to the disappointment of the home faithful. Ben Williams (pictured) got caught napping as JJ Melligan cross cum shot found its way in to the back of the net. Crewe dominated the game but failed to create any chances of note, the defeat was confirmed by the late conversion of a penalty by the O`s. A 2-0 defeat and the vast majority went home scratching their heads to how we had lost this game.

The last week of the month was all about bringing in strikers ahead of the transfer deadline, Lee Barnard finally arrived but as of yet is not fit enough to be considered for first team action. We made a last ditch bid for Bury`s Andy Bishop but our bid was rejected by League Two Bury.

So the month ended with us failing to add any permanent additions to our squad. Just how costly this will prove will remain to be seen. A win, a draw and a defeat in August, plenty to be done if we have any aspirations of a top six finish.

Results

Crewe 2-1 Brighton
Crewe 0-3 Hull City
Bristol Rovers 1-1 Crewe
Crewe 0-2 Leyton Orient

League Points Gained - 4pts
Goal Scored - 3
Goals Against - 7
League Position - 14th
Player of the Month - Gary Roberts

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