It was dull and overcast at the Abbey Stadium and for the second time in recent weeks, the pitch taking a real pounding from heavy rain beforehand. As always head groundsman Ian Darler and his team deserve special praise for once again preparing an excellent pitch. United had a number of key players missing through injury plus midfielder Pelly Mapanzu was suspended for today’s game. The U’s had made two changes with Ben Purrington returning and there was a league debut for George (not Glenn) Hoddle. A decent crowd of 5947 including 397 from Cheshire prepared to watch this intriguing game between two sides close to each other in the table.
United kicked off towards the South Stand and won an early corner with skipper Morrison heading just wide. Liam Bennett was looking lively on the wing and went on a number of attacking runs making a couple of crosses which were cleared. A long clearance from keeper Booth found Tezgel who lost home defender Kell Watts and from the edge of the box fired in a low effort saved by keeper Eastwood. United though were generally on top but clearly missing their two injured forwards. Following a cross from Glenn McConnell, Purrington headed wide on 17. Golding of Crewe was injured and for a moment tried to play on but was soon replaced by Louis Moult. Adam Mayor then set up Korey Smith who fired in an effort from outside the box, the shot inching past the post.
O’Reilly set up Tezgel who had an effort cleared. James Brophy then produced some trickery in the box and sent over a cross for Bennett to head straight at Booth from 6 yards. It was a great chance, if only Lavery or Kouassi had been fit, if only. United’s injury jinx flared up again on 35 as skipper Morrison pulled up with a leg injury. Morrison was immediately replaced by promising young centre half Mamadou Jobe. There was a strange incident just after when a defender near the half way line appeared to pass back to keeper Booth who picked the ball up. Those closer to me noted that McConnell had a touch on the ball so no foul had been committed.
Korey Smith now wearing the captains arm band was booked by referee Woods following a foul on Lunt. The referee though was having a fine game. O’Reilly then set up Hutchinson who fired in an effort saved low down by the ever impressive Eastwood. Brophy then crossed to the far post for Jobe to head narrowly wide into the side netting. 5 minutes of stoppage time were indicated but little further action occurred. Half time came at 0-0.
Before the second half started, Elias Kachunga replaced Louis Appere. This meant that 3 of United’s strikers were now not on the pitch. Brophy sent over another corner but Jobe headed over again. Crewe hadn’t really featured much as an attacking side but took the lead on 54. Following a free kick in front of the main stand, O’Reilly sent over a cross which seemed to evade everyone but Tezgel raced forward to head home from 6 yards for 0-1. Manager Bomber Harris replaced Liam Bennett with Sullay KaiKai, a shame really as Bennett had been playing well, but the U’s were now playing a back 3 and had brought an extra forward on. On 69, manager Harris then replaced McConnell with Ben Knight. At this stage Crewe began some blatant time wasting with keeper Booth going down for treatment on 2 separate occasions, he did not appear injured with his ‘actions’ following increasing pressure from the home team.
United were now attacking in numbers and forcing the Railwaymen deep into their own half. The home crowd roared as United now attacked with purpose. Booth then made another save and went down once again. His antics causing great displeasure with the home fans. George (not Glenn) Hoddle was having an influential game but the U’s still looked a little lightweight. Crewe appeared to settle for their lead and seemed content to just clear the ball anywhere. Brophy and Adam Mayor looked the best outlet for the U’s with some exciting wing play, Brophy crossing on 78 for Purrington to head at goal only for Booth to save. March then replaced Moult for the visitors. Brophy then set up Knight who fired narrowly wide.
Then on 82 Brophy passed to Knight who fired in an effort which deflected onto the post and was then forced home by Jobe for 1-1. It was a great relief and was due to United’s attacking intent. Mayor then set up Knight, whose increasing presence was evident after a mazy run but his effort was saved low down by the busy Booth. United smelled blood and were on all out attack with Crewe clearing the ball desperately to keep in the game. Adam Mayor then beat two defenders and crossed for Kachunga to head narrowly wide, it was that close. In a rare break Crewe had half a chance when March fired in a shot saved low down by Eastwood. 6 minutes of added time were shown by the 4th official with Brophy firing in another effort saved low down by the overworked Booth. Mayor then crossed again this time for Smith to head wide.
Ben Knight showing real attacking purpose attacked again but was crudely cut down by Lunt. Lunt was shown the yellow card. This pulsating late stage of the game culminated in a penalty for the U’s. Brophy sent over a cross which saw Purrington wrestled to the ground by March. Penalty awarded and a yellow card for March. To amplify his growing confidence Knight placed the perfect penalty into the corner for 2-1 on 96. There was time to kick off and as the U’s cleared the ball, the referee blew for full time at 2-1.
To summarise, United deserve great credit for fighting back. In reality the home team should have been ahead at half time so it was a surprise when Crewe took the lead. Bomber Harris deserves great credit for his attacking substitutions, even more so considering that the U’s had a number of players missing. Star player for me was Adam Mayor who had another fine game on the wing. Special mentions to for Eastwood, Bennett, Brophy and Ben Knight. Maybe we will see the best of this young exciting player now. Crewe may well have thought on the way home, if we hadn’t wasted so much time, we would have not conceded such a late penalty.
Ref Watch – Martin Woods – 7. At last a referee who could see the difference between a foul and the current attitude towards going down too easily. Good whistle and movement throughout. Thought he could have used his yellow card a bit more. But not a bad effort.