Crewe Win Cheshire Senior Cup
The game wasn't the most exciting. Neil Baker fielded a fairly young side but it did have some experience in there with Bankole, Colin Little, John Miles and even Lee Bell. From the off it looked a training match for the Alex and trying very patient and passing build ups. Neither side had a real chance before Paul Edwards scored on the 26th minute. It was a ball from Little and a clever turn on the ball, on the edge of the area, that got him free from the back four so he could simply smash it into the roof of the net at the end most of the 250 or so Alex fans stood. Couple of minutes later the 19 year old did exactly the same turn which confused the Vics defence but this time Eddie just dwelled too much and when he hit it at goal it smashed off the up right and the Vics defender sent it out for a corner.
10 or so minutes later on the 39th minute Paul Edwards got his 2nd. Northwich were messing about with the ball on the half way line and simply let John Miles tke it off them and set Colin Little racing down the right on the break. He took it into the area and squared it across the goal for Edwards to fall on and knee into the net.
Just before half time it was nearly 3-0 when dreadful defending from Northwich saw Little send a bobbling ball onto the post. Bell 10 minutes later sent a 20 yard shot screaming past the post and a few minutes later sent a low free kick wide from 30 yards. With 1 minute to go Northwich struck to make the score line look somewhat false when
Half time - 2-0
In the second half it was much the same but the game just got lifeless. Though inside the first 5 minutes Colin Little picked up the ball on the edge of the area, from a corner, to do a clever turn and smash towards goal but the Victoria keeper got his finger tips to the ball to tip it onto the post. Bell 10 minutes later sent a 20 yard shot screaming past the post and a few minutes later sent a low free kick wide from 30 yards. With 1 minute to go Northwich struck to make the score line look somewhat false when Rioch struck from 30 yards and into the left corner. That was about it. Some decent performances from Edwards, who caused NVFC many problems, Miles ran them inside out down the left and Little also caused them many problems. In midfield Robinson had a decent game and put a few balls in the box. Ian Jeffs also worked hard down the right. CreweAlex.com man of the match has to go to Mark Roberts though. Superb performance from the new pro. Stopped anything that wanted to go past him and is one for the future.
The Alex took the trophy and applauded the Alex fans who were more thinking about promotion. Dario seemed pleased though.
Crewe Alex
Ademole Bankole, Adam Yates, Neil Coverley, Mark Roberts, Alex Morris; Colin Little, James Robinson, Lee Bell, Ian Jeffs; Paul Edwards, John Miles.
Subs: Ryan Austin, Tom Betts, Matthew Platt.
Northwich Victoria
Gary Kelly, Chris Royle, Denny Ingram, Steve Davis, Greg Rioch; Jake Sedgemore, Paul Teather, Mark Devlin, Steve Garvey; Dave McNiven, Johnny Allen.
Subs: Andy Taylor, Andy Turner, Jimmy Quinn.