Not the performance Dario was after for the end of the season, the Alex fell to a second half goal from Bradford substitute Ryan Kendall to finish the 2009/2010 season with a 1-0 defeat.

The final game of the 2009/10 season upon us, and having nothing but pride to play for Dario decided to name his strongest team, keeping the same starting eleven that played the 0-0 draw with Rotherham last weekend at the Don Valley Stadium.

Youngster Oliver Turton was called up to the bench for the first time following a successful year with the under 18's whilst Steven Schumacher also kept his place on the bench against his former club, for his last game in a Crewe shirt following the news of his release this summer. Meanwhile, Bradford City named former Alex man Gareth Evans in their starting eleven.

It wasn't the best start for Crewe as Bradford had the better of the chances in the opening half an hour. It was just four minutes in when they had their first chance of the game, Michael Flynn forcing Adam Legzdins into what was a great save following a ball into the box from Bradford captain Simon Ramsden. Minutes later and Adam Bolder made a small run into the box and despite being surrounded by red shirts managed to get his shot away which was easy for Legzdins.

It was looking to be a high paced game, and as ten minutes passed, Adam again prevented Bolder from scoring as he dived to save his long-range effort.

Not long after that Crewe had their first chance of the game. Simon Walton sent a good long ball down to Calvin Zola, who delayed his run thinking he was offside. The club's top scorer realized he wasn't and as he continued his run, he took the ball around his man but could only send his shot straight to the keeper.

Crewe began to pick up from there as they had a string of chances but once again couldn't convert them into goals. The first of which came when Matt Tootle put a good ball into Zola to head from inside the six-yard box, but the lineswoman put her flag up ruling him offside. It was another ten minutes before the next chance came about, Joel Grant involved in the build up this time. Luke Murphy picked up his ball, taking on four defenders before unleashing his shot that forced the Bradford stopper into a good save.

Grant himself had the next chance, but his effort from the by-line could only float across the goalmouth.

Bradford were forced into a change as the dangerous Gareth Evans was replaced by Ryan Kendall, who proved to be just as much of a menace.

Crewe's effort's continued as their form in this game began to better, and the pressure on Bradford improved.

Murphy sent a fantastic ball down to Clayton Donaldson but just put too much power into it as Clayton couldn't quite connect with it before the goalkeeper.

Following that there came two penalty appeals in just two minutes for the Alex. The first as Zola hit his shot and what seemed an obvious handball from Lee Bullock was waved away by the lineswoman. Zola almost made up for it by scoring straight after, looping the ball over John McLaughlin, but the keeper ran back quick enough to collect the floating ball. The second penalty appeal happened as Clayton Donaldson made his way into the penalty box. As he is ready to unleash his shot he was brought down just on the edge of the box by Zesh Rehman, but instead Donaldson was flagged for being offside.

Crewe were heading into the break the better of the sides though after what was a shaky start. With just five minutes remaining before the break, Bolder stepped up once again with another long range effort, this time hit with some real power which Legzdins did well to pick up. Just before the whistle blew, Murphy gave Ashley Westwood the ball on the wing, Westy took it to the by-line putting it across the goal. Bradford's keeper got a touch on it to help it away and whilst Donaldson tried to connect with the rebound he couldn't and the danger was cleared.

The second half started a little quiet until a foul on Donaldson by Steve Williams brought about a free kick, which Murphy hit fantastically. It was heading for the top corner, but McLaughlin got a touch to it sending it over and onto the crossbar. Almost 15 minutes later Donaldson had another chance, driving a low shot from 20 yards just wide of the far post.

Less than a minute later and a mistake from Simon Walton could so easily have led to the first goal of the game. 40 yards from his own goal the on-loan midfielder gave away possession, Leon Osborne charging in, skippingd past Brayford and around the defence, luckily for Walton then sending his shot wide.

More changes for Bradford as Luke O'Brien replaced Bolder, and the opening and what turned out to be winning goal came about. Flynn took a quick free kick rolling the ball into the path of substitute Kendall who coolly slot his shot past Legzdins and into the bottom corner. A simple goal that could so easily have been prevented.

The Alex faithful thought we had brought it back level not a minute later after some good work from Donaldson. He looped the ball from the by line and as Murphy tried to keep the ball in play at the far post, Zola put the ball in the back of the net. The goal was disallowed though as the linesman put his flag up for the ball being out of play before Zola's effort.

Less than three minutes after their first goal, Bradford had a great chance to make it 2-0, but for some fantastic defensive work from Patrick Ada as Flynn ran in on goal. Following that, Flynn again saw a volley from Robbie Threlfall's corner brilliantly tipped over by Adam Legzdins. The Alex stopper was certainly putting in an impressive performance today.

A double substitution by the Alex 15 minutes from time saw Harry Davis finally make his debut after numerous appearances on the bench this season when he replaced Simon Walton. Danny Shelley replaced Joel Grant at the same time. It forced a formation restructure as Brayford went back to right back and Ashley Westwood slotted back in midfield.

Ten minutes remaining and Bradford were looking the more likely to score again as Crewe seemed to fade out of the game. Ramsden's ball to Kendall was volleyed on target but a quick reaction from Legzdins pushed the ball away.

The Alex were struggling to get another good shot on target as both Calvin Zola and Danny Shelley had attempts in the closing stages of the game. It wasn't enough though, and despite wanting to end the season with some extra points on the board, it was Bradford that were travelling home with all three.