Crewe vs Shrewsbury: Alex and Shrews share spoils
Nathan Ellington came close to earning Crewe their first win in three home games when he clattered the bar with a late header in the 1-1 draw with Shrewsbury at Gresty Road.
The veteran striker, who signed for the Railwaymen on a short-term deal a week ago, almost provided the decisive touch in a goalmouth scramble to mark his debut.
Byron Moore gave Alex an early lead when he drove into the far corner after Ajay Leitch-Smith slipped a ball inside after 10 minutes.
But Luke Summerfield headed Shrewsbury level when he was left unmarked to direct Marvin Morgan's 28th-minute delivery into the bottom corner.
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Alex left-back Gregor Robertson planted a far-post header over after greeting a Kelvin Mellor cross.
But Shrewsbury relied on the excellence of Chris Weale, who made a string of excellent saves after the restart.
The former Leicester City goalkeeper pawed a Leitch-Smith cross-cum-shot away from his top corner and then blocked the same striker's left-footed effort.
Weale then denied teenager Max Clayton with a near-post save.
But Crewe were nearly caught out by a swift Shrews counter attack that almost produced a fourth goal in five games for Bolton loanee Tom Eaves.
The towering striker was denied by Alex keeper Steve Phillips, who was smartly of his line.
Sub Ellington went close to stealing the win before Shrewsbury had later penalty appeals turned down after Rob Purdie fell in the box.
2 Comments
by alexmick
Sunday, March 17 2013, 5:14PM
“Thoroughly enjoyed the first ten minutes and the last half-hour of this contest, as the bit in the middle was all Shrewsbury.
We seemed to go flat following that superb goal by Byron and then Shrewsbury dictated the play, with Morgan involved in most of their play. This man is a good all round footballer, as he was a menace in attack and even found plenty of time to break down whatever attacking moves we could muster.
The game from Crewe's point of view, came alive all of a sudden on the hour mark and we were treated to a thrilling 30 minute period, when I think that we deserved to snatch a victory. Max and Ajay, who had been kept quiet prior to this, really linked up well and we were really unlucky not to score. Perhaps it was down to the fact that we started to spread the ball out more and adopt a style of play that allowed us to use the flanks more often. Before this period, the lads were bunching and playing too many close and square passes. Murphy had a fantastic game and Pogs (who was given a rollicking at HT by Davis) really turned it on. Moore was also a class act during that entertaining spell.
Phillips was sound, although his distribution (those goal kick) leaves a lot to be desired. Most just landed at the feet of a Shrews player. He improved during that 30 minute spell, when he started to roll the ball out to his defenders. No criticism of Phillips, but once again, I would like to see Martin given the occasional outing. He must be really cheesed off after 3 months on the bench. He would not let the Alex down.
Let us hope that the team carry on from where they left off when they take on MK Dons on Tuesday. Perhaps, Steve has left them locked in the changing room, with their kit on, all fired up and ready to tear in to the opposition in a couple of days time.”
by alexmick
Sunday, March 17 2013, 5:13PM
“Thoroughly enjoyed the first ten minutes and the last half-hour of this contest, as the bit in the middle was all Shrewsbury.
We seemed to go flat following that superb goal by Byron and then Shrewsbury dictated the play, with Morgan involved in most of their play. This man is a good all round footballer, as he was a menace in attack and even found plenty of time to break down whatever attacking moves we could muster.
The game from Crewe's point of view, came alive all of a sudden on the hour mark and we were treated to a thrilling 30 minute period, when I think that we deserved to snatch a victory. Max and Ajay, who had been kept quiet prior to this, really linked up well and we were really unlucky not to score. Perhaps it was down to the fact that we started to spread the ball out more and adopt a style of play that allowed us to use the flanks more often. Before this period, the lads were bunching and playing too many close and square passes. Murphy had a fantastic game and Pogs (who was given a rollicking at HT by Davis) really turned it on. Moore was also a class act during that entertaining spell.
Phillips was sound, although his distribution (those goal kick) leaves a lot to be desired. Most just landed at the feet of a Shrews player. He improved during that 30 minute spell, when he started to roll the ball out to his defenders. No criticism of Phillips, but once again, I would like to see Martin given the occasional outing. He must be really cheesed off after 3 months on the bench. He would not let the Alex down.
Let us hope that the team carry on from where they left off when they take on MK Dons on Tuesday. Perhaps, Steve has left them locked in the changing room, with their kit on, all fired up and ready to tear in to the opposition in a couple of days time.”