Last years finalists scored two quick fire goals in the early part of the second half and defended superbly to run out clear favourites to reach the final against either Blackburn or Aston Villa.
The visitors almost scored within 18 minutes when highly rated Welsh goalkeeper Owain Fon Williams fluffed a pass to left back Robert Lloyd and ‘Boro’s hardworking striker Tom Craddock got on the end of it. However, the impressive Paul Bignot in central defence spared the Welshman’s blushes with an exemplary block.
Crewe probably had the better of chances in the first half, the best one coming to Kyle Wilson in attack when Gary Roberts flicked Williams’ long ball on following a blocked indirect free kick. Wilson’s first time effort crashed into the side netting to the dismay of Holland on the touchline. Wilson had already blasted over from ten yards after the impressive Nicky Maynard put him through on goal just before the half hour mark.
Middlesbrough’s chances in the first half were limited to the pint sized Anthony Peacock having a curling effort just shave the Gresty Road End post just before the referee blew for half time.
Crewe’s Andy Bond went off injured almost immediately after the restart, replaced by Chris Holroyd, who went close to scoring two minutes later after Boro only half cleared a corner.
A minute later, Middlesbrough’s Tom Craddock scored after Peacock (probably the smallest player to ever play at Gresty Road!!) twisted and turned on the edge of the area. Williams beat out his fierce shot, but the Boro striker reacted first and slotted home. It was almost exactly like Danny Dichio’s second goal for Millwall at Crewe in January.
The Teesiders wrapped up the win four minutes later when Andrew Taylor scored a belter that simply flew past the flapping Williams and off the crossbar before nestling into the goal.
Middlesbrough’s defence held firm and kept the home side at an arms length and could have made it three when Peacock missed from 2 yards after we failed to deal with a corner.
So it looks bleak for the kids, who have come further than any Crewe youth side have ever been in the competition. There were some good performances – notably Roberts, Wilson and Nat Kerr in central defence, it just seemed that the Middlesbrough lads were a little fitter and could keep going until the final whistle.