Crewe United put up a brave fight against Championship side Ballymoney United at Crewe Park last Saturday (30th Oct.) but could not progress, going out to a solitary goal.
Crewe United put up a brave fight against Championship side Ballymoney United in Round 1 of the Intermediate Cup last Saturday. The Championship side opened the stronger and had much of the possession in the opening exchanges but Crewe held firm and never looked like being penetrated.
As the half progressed Crewe began to settle into the game and indeed could have taken the lead but Gerdy Lynas had the ball nipped off his toe as he was about to slot the ball home after jinking inside two defenders.
Sid McCrory was pulling the strings in midfield as Jim Franklin and Chris Black worked tirelessly closing down any attack from Ballymoney. Crewe had a lot of possession in the last ten minutes of the half but could not find the crucial opening.
Half time: 0-0
The second period started in the same manner as the first. Ballymoney opened the stronger and took the lead after a fortunate goal from a header which Colm McAuley could not hold on to as the ball spilled over the line.
Crewe heads did not drop however and they began to push for the equaliser. The home side dominated the final 25 minutes of the game and only for some good defending from Ballymoney Crewe could have been on terms.
However despite throwing everything at the visitors Crewe could not find a way to force the game into extra time.
Final Score: 0-1
Overall a very good performance for Crewe despite the result, and they were unlucky not to go into the hat for the next round. This week Crewe are back in league action against Laurelvale at Crewe Park as the Glenavy men play catch up in league games.
Team; McAuley, Haggerty, McCarthy ©, Creggan, McManus, Franklin, McCrory, Black, Lynas, Coughlin, McQuillan. Subs: Mulligan, Teague, Rushton
