Both Crewe United and Crewe United Reserves made it a good weekend as AFC Craigavon and Rectory Rangers Reserves were both disposed of in extra time. Conor McQuillan scored a brace for the first team as they progressed to the last 16 of the Marshall Cup. The Reserves moved into the 3rd round of the O’Hara Cup.
AFC Craigavon 2 Crewe United 3 AET (Marshall Cup Round 3)
The Glenavy men moved into the last 16 of the Marshall Cup after a tough battle in Craigavon despite still missing several first team regulars through injury. Crewe opened the livlier forcing AFC onto the back foot. Black was causing problems down the right hand side as the Crewe midfield dominated.
The game changed however after 25 minutes when an AFC midfielder received his marching orders for lashing out at Chisambo. Crewe then took the lead after a Haggerty cross was turned into the net by an AFC defender. This seemed to spark AFC into life and despite going behind, they battled hard in what became a very scrappy game.
Half-time: 0-1
The second half continued in much the same vain with neither side dominating play. Gove and Creggan looked comfortable at the back but as the half progressed AFC had the better of the chances as they pushed for an equaliser. It came with just 10 minutes to go in normal time after a goal mouth scramble and the home side found the back of the net.
Full-time: 1-1
The first period of extra time saw both teams go for the win to avoid the dreaded penalties. Conor McQuillan looked to have won the game for Crewe in the first period of extra time as he swivelled on a ball after great work from Chris Black, and hammered the ball home.
It wasn’t over yet though as within two minutes Crewe failed to clear their lines and AFC again hauled themselves back into the tie. With literally seconds to go the in-form McQuillan took the ball on the left hand side of the AFC boxed and drilled an unstoppable shot into the home net to send the Crewe men into raptures.
AET: 2-3
Team: McAuley, Haggerty, Reid, Gove (c), Creggan, Black, Coleman, Mulligan, McCabe, McQuillan, Chisambo. Subs: Hogan (for Reid 75), Bailey (for Chisambo 55), Bingham.
The win continues the recent good form and Crewe remain unbeaten this season in all Mid Ulster competitions. The Cups have proved successful stomping ground this season, with a place in the semi finals of the Premier Cup already secured and now through to the last 16 of the Marshall Cup were the winners of Warrenpoint Reserves/Broomhill/Richill will await the Crewe side.
