Back on Track...

Last updated : 10 February 2003 By Site Staff
Lenny Ku..........
No shock changes to the team come 3pm Saturday. Tierney, Foster and Brammer all out. McCready dropped. Walton & Rix in. Again we were the late starters and it cost us. First of all Walton and Walker didn't look secure and we were inviting pressure onto us. We were finding it hard with the lofted balls in the air and that’s what got Brentford the opener other 10th minute. No team had had proper chances before the goal. It was a very long throw from Sonko which deceived Richie Walker and he went to head it but then changed his mind, Vine had got a yard on him by now. The ball bounced high, Ince was trying to adjust his feet, but a spectacular volley from Vine saw it curl into the top far corner. We did deserved it.

Although after that I was confident we would get something from the match. We were woken up in a bad mood. From the re-kick off we were bright and controlled the game without really creating proper chances. Brentford had 1 more shot, when pace got Kevin O'Connor round Vaughan and into the left of the box and fire a high shot at goal, Ince saved superbly.

We though failed to make any proper chances. majority of the play was with Jack who caused havoc down the right for the Bees but they dealt with him well compared to other teams with the majority of his crosses being blocked and out for corners. Rather like how Tierney dealt with Asamoah vs Northampton. Hulse nearly got one on one with the keeper but Sonko pushed him out wide.

In the midfield Sorvel was told to stand in for Brammer and boss the midfield
Walton : The General
and he did just that. Sorv was brilliant and one of his best matches in a Crewe shirt. Won every tackle and determined to get the ball forward. Only made one real mistake. Lunt was also excellent and finding space, running at Brentford and in the second half playing in the whole behind the strikers ad doing it superbly. On the wings Jones and Jack ran riot and brentford couldn't deal with them.

Walton and Walker looked like they were getting to grips with the game around the 25th minute mark. walker started timing his runs perfectly and Walton showed why he is now called "The General", just being there urged the team on. So much positives yet we were still losing 1-0 when seeing how we were playing we could have been 3-0 up for all you know. The sheer pace in our movement scared Brentford and it was probably that which got their man sent off. The first one was Rix's skill which forced Rowlands to go in late. Rix went down and was soon stretched off with Ashton coming on. The red was deserved. Rowlands lost the ball to Sorvel, Rowlands got frustrated and went in two footed with a 'scissor' challenge. Red card by it's self.

Just after that to make things seem a it worse Dean Ashton went down with a head injury. Confirmed at half time to be a cut on his head and a bit of concussion. Deano didn't return and in his place was Bell. Second half started much the same as before. We were well on top and that goal just had to come. Hulse tried a quick turn and volley just on the edge of the area but it flew over.... would have been spectacular if it went in.

We got our goal though. Resulted from Stevie Jones terrorizing their left side again. Got in the area, cut it back for Lunt who took his time to set up the ball and curled into the bottom right(or left, depending on where you saw it from). After that we took on a bit of pressure but soaked it up before getting the penalty. A ball slipped to Lunt from Bell and Lunt, just inside the area, turned quickly knowing the Brentford’s player was going to block him and that clever bit of play allowed Lunt to step up for his first penalty of the season. Have to say Lunt look terrified. Looked like he didn't want to take it but had a good word with Jack seconds before he strolled up and bobbled the ball into the bottom left.

There were still 25 minutes left and we had so much pressure to soak up. Those last 25 minutes were heart stopping. Knowing Cardiff, Oldham, Bristol C and Wigan were slipping up made it all the more important we were to get this win. During the last 25 minutes they hit the left post then the right post. The biggest decision came when the Brentford faithful thought they had a penalty 5 minutes from time. Lont shots were flying in everywhere and everywhere were they blocked. Walton then bent down stuck his foot out and the ball bounced off his foot onto his hand, now. The referee pointed to the spot. The Alex faithful couldn't quite believe it with heads in hands. After a couple of moments of madness the referee changed his mind and to the much annoyance of the Brentford fans a free kick had been given just outside the box. I can't comment on the decision it's self as I was at the other end of the pitch but some bees fans say it was at least 2 yards inside the area..... I won't complain though.

After 3 minutes of injury time which were sending the Alex fans crazy just wanting that whistle, it was full time. Every other team has slipped up and now we're 2nd and our promotion push is back in our hands. Do we REALLY want it? Lets PROVE it by beating top of the table Wigan.