Match Report - Crewe Alexandra

Barnsley lined up in a standard 4-3-3 formation although some people might have mistaken it for the midfield diamond, which has many facets. Crewe were organised rather like the troops of Hereward the Wake, aiming to resist the Northern invasion.

Barnsley were soon ahead when Jacob Brown did a passable impersonation of Harvey Barnes by volleying adeptly into the top right corner of the Crewe net from the left wing position. Brown will have high hopes for January, and this was a fine strike. Although it seemed that the Reds might soon reward Bet365 customers, who are paid out if their selection goes two goals ahead, they retreated into their shell as the first half went on. Collins produced a number of trademark adrenaline-laden distributions from the back, some of which reached Barnsley players. As the interest level waned, the travelling supporters entertained themselves with a game of ‘Can you spot Kenny Dougall?’ There was no winner of this particular contest.

Crewe started the second half brightly, and three minutes into the second period they got their reward. The Reds’ defence were clearly inspired by Patrick Moore’s ‘The Sky At Night’, watching in awe as the ball orbited the Barnsley box several times, finally alighting on the head of Paul Green, who gratefully accepted the seasonal gift to equalise.

As the second half wore on, Barnsley played more and more like total strangers, with Luke Thomas looking like he would struggle to trap a bag of cement. Simoes, who nobody had noticed, was replaced by Schmidt, who nobody noticed.

Finally, Mowatt lifted a ball into the Crewe box – perhaps recalling Rooney’s distribution on Thursday – and Diaby’s header across the box was met somewhat fortuitously by Chaplin, who netted for the Reds. From then on the travelling fans had to nervously endure a number of Crewe incursions into the Barnsley half, any of which looked likely to result in another defensive calamity. But Jaaskaleinen, perhaps feeling the Championship team’s embarrassment marauded upfield for a late forage and the ball broke loose to Thomas, who skilfully found the empty net to give the scoreline a wholly unrealistic look.

So, a convincing win for the Reds which was not convincing. Sky attempted to solicit the views of Dan Cowley, whose Huddersfield team next face Barnsley in the league, but unfortunately he was not able to stop laughing. Still, Gerhard Struber will feel pleased with his side’s progress and celebrated with his players – some of whom he hopes to keep – at the final whistle.

The Reds will no doubt hope for a plum 4th Round tie against Oxford United away as they continue their march towards Wembley (again).

 

Oops! It was so Radlinger-esque it threw me! Perhaps our goalkeeping coaches specialise in coaching risky distribution?

 

I know nothing, Mr Fawlty!