Only 2,994 fans turned out for the game tonight but at least 2,500 of them went home reasonably happy. Steve Jones made a happy come back with two goals, whilst Deano and Rivo bagging one each. It was simply all over for the seasiders and their 400 supporters within 12 minutes of the start.
After torrential down pours a few minutes before the match it was looking to be a bit of farce as players struggled to find their grip on the pitch but it seemed to be more difficult for Blackpool than Crewe, for some reason. For the first twelve minutes we were ruthless.
Quick attacking football headed by Dean Ashton, Steve Jones and Mark Rivers finally saw the deadlock broken. None other than Steve Jones broke the Blackpool defence to curl a sweet right foot shot into the bottom right from just 15 yards. It was just 141 seconds into his first start of the season.
There were calls for offside, with both Jones and Rivers behind the defence, and before long there were more offside shouts resulting in nothing. This time Rivers got behind the woeful Blackpool back four to fire home, after Ashton's perfectly executed pass.
There was no break in the scoring. Attack after attack went to wards the Blackpool goal and by the 11th minute the game was all put over when the Blackpool keeper clashed with his own defender outside the box, leaving Ashton and Kenny Lunt's long ball free inside the box. Dean took a couple of seconds to compose himself before rolling the ball over the line.
This was it for us. We took it easy as the game was all but won. The team looked a lot more comfortable than they have done recently, Adie Moses commanded the back four as they were confident enough to stroll it around deep inside the Alex half.
Meanwhile, the return of Steve Jones made a brilliant impact. He totally outclassed Blackpool as he took them apart down the left and right. He looked better, sharper and fresher than ever - great character after the summer he's had.
Dean Ashton and David Vaughan followed up their performances on from the weekend. Both showing their natural ability on the ball and both making their own chances. Deano powered his way past a couple of Blackpool defenders before bamboozling another with some foot work, unfortunately his shot from 20 yards was gathered by an outstretched 'keeper.
David Vaughan then showed off his talent, beating at least 5 Blackpool players before unleashing his low shot just inside the box, but, like Ashton's, his was gathered by the keeper. Neil Sorvel then fired a volley about a foot over the bar on the 26th minute, that was pretty much it in terms of chances.
The game settled into a slow dull pace. Blackpool rarely got into the final third of the Alex half whilst Crewe players seemed more intent on trying the clever stuff, rather than the simple but effective style. Then, just when it looked to be heading into the second half at 3-0, up popped Steve Jones.
Jonah latched on to an absolutely superb 40 yard cross from Billy Jones, back on his favoured right position. Jones nodded it in at the near post after Dean Ashton failed to make contact. Four-Nil on the 44th minute proved it was to be Crewe's first win of the season.
The second half proved to be a non-event. We seemed to wander and once again tried to do the outrageous rather than the simple football. Half time saw Neil Sorvel go off for Justin Cochrane. Unfortunately it was to be an awful substitution from Dario.
Cochrane failed to find any rhythm and whilst his passing was dreadful, he failed to be noticed in terms of his presence. No real dominance in midfield like he normally shows. Dreadful performance, but I think Justin knew that.
During the second half Blackpool were allowed to pressure us. Many shots from Blackpool were forced to be from 25-30 yards which barely troubled Ben Williams in goal. The best chances came as a result of poor defending and moments of madness.
Kenny Lunt nearly headed Blackpool a goal back. Lunts header on the left post skimmed across the face of the goal, eventually going out for a corner. Then Billy Jones and Justin Cochrane had to race back to deny McGregor a free shot on goal, Billy putting it out for a corner.
Unfortunately the corner resulted in a goal. Once again, a clearance from a corner was not followed up and it allowed Blackpool to just fire a shot straight back in the box. Williams got his body behind the ball but the ball fell nicely to John Murphy to steer the ball into the net.
It's getting rather embarrassing at corners now, too many times teams are being allowed all the time and space to set up chances from outside the box. There are eleven men in the box. Not one player to follow up clearances.
Anyway, Blackpool then had a free-kick flashing just over the cross bar before they felt that was 'it', and left it at 4-1. I think, for the second half we merely let go of the game a bit whilst, credit to Blackpool, they tried to mark Dean Ashton out of the game. Without Dean, as I mention every report, our attacking force is nothing. By the end of the match their centre back Clare was marking Dean so tightly he was almost up his arse.
The general performance was good, but I certainly wouldn't get carried away. Blackpool were simply awful for the first half, it felt like a practice match and was just a tad embarrassing. There were a lot of positives though, the defence were a lot more 'sound' and the attack looks the best it's been in this division.... ever?
Maybe I'm being deceived into thinking it was Blackpool were poor rather than we were good, but I'll await this weeks games against Derby and Millwall. I think four points is our aim.
The 2nd Round draw is on Wednesday night. Big or small club, don't mind. As long as it's not any of the 23 Championship teams.
Player Ratings;
Ben Williams - 6 - Improvement on kicking, no other problems. Maybe at fault for the goal with poor handling, but it was a fierce shot.
Anthony Tonkin - 7 - Slightly impressed with him. Did get sucked out of position easily, but is useful on the attack.
Adie Moses - 7 - Commanded the defence. Always thought he's our second best defender, without a doubt. Good to see him back.
Steve Foster - 7 - Similar to Moses. Calm performance, but you'd expect nothing less.
Billy Jones - 7 - Superb ball for the fourth goal, I thought. Got forward very well, on occasions his vision is delightful. Defending wasn't too bad either.
Neil Sorvel - 7 - Not sure why he went off, thought he looked fine. Had good first half and attacked well.
Kenny Lunt - 7 - Went a bit un noticed. Nothing to pick up on really.
David Vaughan - 8 - Class. Act.
Steve Jones - 8 - My Man Of The Match. His first half was worthy of it. Showed so much passion to play. Worked his socks off and had Blackpool players on their arse most of the match. Deserved his two goals as well.
Dean Ashton - 7 - Good first half from Dean. Caused all sorts of problems, slightly quiet in the second half though.
Mark Rivers - 7 - Decent goal, but nothing much else to say about him.