|
 Match Report
Bury 1 Crewe Alexandra 2
Worthington Cup Round 1 Leg 2
Tuesday 5th September 2000
Yes, it was a disappointing result, but there was no disgrace in this fine performance, and yes, the Shakers need to cut out silly mistakes at the back, which have seen them exit the competition. But lets be positive, this was top quality stuff from Bury, some lovely movements drawing round after round of applause from our fans, who have not been noted over the years to be slow in being critical!
It is a long time since a defeated side have been clapped off the Gigg Lane pitch but tonight, it happened, and shows how much the loyal few appreciate the changes being brought about through the efforts of Messrs Preece and Redmond.
The management pair were handed a somewhat poisoned chalice from their fleeing outgoing predecessor, with no money to spend, a bunch of overpaid journeymen players who had showed no signs of being decent footballers, no one (according to Colin,) of any use in the youth system, and with the off the field financial fiasco, this was not a background which would have enticed many experienced managers; But having being given the opportunity to have to cut your teeth on it, (and lets be honest, how many people were impressed by the appointments ?) may well turn out to be a career enhancing blessing for Preecey and Redders. The facts are that we are playing the best football seen since the Dobson era, the same previously derided players are producing top quality football, and we have seen enough of the youngsters to know that there are very many riches ahead. The quality in the youth department is the best since Kerr, Waldron, Lindsay etc brigade of the 60's. The good times are about to roll, and the credit goes to Preecey and Redders, and not least to old Greengrass himself, our Chairman Terry, for the bravery to appoint them, even though it may have been through financial necessity rather than anything else.
Meanwhile back at the match, The Shakers got off to a flyer through a Dazza penalty after 6 minutes. Dazza himself headed a Crewe clearance forward and Littlejohn found Baichung in the box. The Tiger seemed to handle the ball before being bundled over by Sodje, but the referee was sufficiently convinced to award the spot kick, duly converted by our leading scorer. There was much good football all round, despite the very strange post match comments from Mr Gradi, and Bury had the better of it. However, Bury let Crewe back into the game when Reid played the ball from the left back position across the face of goal and unfortunately into the path of a Crewe player, who put Street clear on the right to cross for Rivers to head the ball home giving Tyrone no chance. A poor goal to concede, much anger from Tyrone and the bench.
Nevertheless we were not downhearted and all were sure that the goodies would win the day through superior football, as the home side continued to create chances but which were not being put away.
The second half started as badly as the first had started well, a long ball down the Crewe right to Street saw him beat an unprotected Reid, and the ball was crossed to the middle of our area, where the defenders seemed to stand off and allow ex Rossendale, and indeed Shaker reserve, Colin Little to fire home, and put Crewe in the lead for the first time in the tie.
The Shakers continued on the rampage, Nick Daws returning to his best form in midfield, and plenty of quality football, at times, and we haven't said this for a long time, we were a bit too pretty when a blast might have done better. On one sublime occasion, Baichung yet again showed his class, once more nutmegging the defence and drove the ball with the outside of his left foot into seemingly the top corner…yours truly was among many on his feet saluting a great goal, only to see the ball scream agonisingly outside the post.
Other chances came and went, even in the dying seconds, Sam Collins met the ball on the half volley inside the area, but without enough conviction to beat the keeper. Ah well, the final won't be at Wembley anyway, so who cares about this competition? Well, apart from the Chairman and the Bank Manager? Even though we lost, and won't get a money spinning next round, I for one am going to bed happy, ( no no no no, I'm too old for all that), 'cos my boys are playing decent football, they are enjoying playing it, the fans are enjoying watching it, and well, who'd have thought it this time last year?
by Paul Forrest
 Discuss today's game in the message board
Gauge the Crewe Alexandra reaction at their site
|
