Crewe United 1 Lower Maze 2
Crewe fell at the semi final stage of the Alan Wilson cup after a brave effort against the holders and league leaders.
The first half opened with Maze making all the play without really troubling McKeown in the Crewe goal. The visitors took the lead however unsurprisingly given their dominance of possession on 25 minutes after a good move down the right and a shot that clipped the far post and nestled in the Crewe goal.
This seemed to settle the home side down as they gained confidence and more possession of the ball. A strong wind gave Maze a helping hand to suppress Crewe and the home side lost Tohill through injury. At half time the score remained 1-0 with Crewe having to improve greatly in the second half.
Half-time: 0-1
The second half opened as it was to continue, with Crewe on top. McCabe and Murphy began to dominate midfield with Paul Coughlan using his pace to worry Maze.
The pressure told when McCabe struck a half volley from all of 30 yards which rifled into the Maze net with Micky McFarland left with no chance to stop it. Lynas headed just over which could have sealed the tie for Crewe but it wasn’t to be.
In extra time the stamina of the visitors told. Mark McKeown made some truly unbelievable saves in the first period of extra time to keep Crewe in it but he could do nothing when after a long ball caught out the home defence he was beaten by a well taken finish. A great effort from Crewe against a strong Maze side and the search for silverware continues.
Full time: 1-2 (AET)
Goals: P. McCabe
