Crewe United 3 Richhill 2
Crewe got back to winning ways on Saturday after two successive defeats. Missing regulars Mark Mulholland, Colm Biggerstaff, Alan Kelly and Paddy O’Hagan the Crewe squad was stretched to the limit. However the first half performance was enough to seal the win for Crewe.
Crewe opened the brighter and dominated play in the early stages with McCabe and McKeown pulling the strings in midfield. The first goal from Crewe was scored by Peter Moorehead. Thomas McKenna picked out Stevie Eastwood on the right flank who fired a great ball across the front of the goal for Moorehead to score an easy tap in.
Shortly afterwards new signing Moorehead was again involved as he hit the crossbar after some great football from the home side. It wasn’t long however before Crewe had the cushion of a two goal lead when Costello pounced to add the second.
Half-time: 2-0
In the opening exchanges of the second half Crewe again looked the stronger team. The game looked over as a contest when Lynas netted the third, and his eight of the season, as Crewe hit home their advantage.
It wasn’t long before Richhill pulled one back after a defensive mix-up allowed the visitors to score past the recalled Donard Shannon in the Crewe goal. Soon after another poor defensive mistake gave Richhill hope with fifteen minutes remaining.
Crewe looked tired and could not retain possession of the ball but the visitors could not produce the equalizer as they pushed forward. In the end Crewe deserved the win but know they will have to defend better in the coming weeks against stronger opposition.
Full time: 3-2
Team: D.Shannon, A.Tohill, J.Derby, M.McManus, T.McKenna, G.McKeown, P.McCabe, G.Lynas, S.Eastwood, D.Costello, P.Moorehead, Subs: A.Rushton (A.Tohill 65), S.Mulligan, Pablo (not used)
Goals: P.Moorhead D.Costello G.Lynas
