Crewe United 1 Oxford United 0 (AET)
Crewe progressed to the Semi-finals of the Alan Wilson Cup after a 1-0 victory in extra time at a windswept Crewe Park. Crewe had most of the possession in the first half without really testing the visiting keeper and failed to take advantage of the windy conditions.
Oxfords best effort of the half came when a fierce dipping shot was tipped onto his post by Mark McKeown in the Crewe goal just before the interval. Crewe worked hard to create openings but just couldn’t break down the visitors defence.
Half-time: 0-0
The tables turned in the second period as Oxford put the Crewe defence under pressure. Crewe dealt with the Oxford forward line well in difficult conditions as the visitors couldn’t break down the Crewe rear guard. As the wind increased it took some good handling from McKeown to keep Crewe in the tie.
It took a spectacular half volley from Gerard Lynas in extra time to seal the win for Crewe. Paul Coughlan played a great ball over the top and Lynas struck the ball sweetly as it sailed into the roof of the net. The comeback from Oxford never seemed to materialize as they seemed to be out of steam.
Overall a gritty performance from Crewe, especially in the second half as they defended with resilience. The win sets up a Lisburn derby against Lower Maze for a place in the final which is sure to be an epic encounter.
Full time: 1-0 (AET)
Team: McKeown (M.), McKeown (G.), McKenna (c), McStravick, Tohill, Mulligan, Coughlan, Murphy, McCabe, Lynas, Teague. Subs: McCrory, Seaton
Goal: G. Lynas
