See how the press reported our 3-0 win
Coventry City Telegraph
WE need to remind ourselves that it’s only half-time and we have to wait another 14 days for second Coventry City helping at Gresty Road.
But the Sky Blues need a miracle to keep their Wembley dream alive after being on the receiving end of a classic smash and grab raid by the Railwaymen.
The 29,502 Coventry fans crammed into the Ricoh Arena gave Mark Robins’s men the 12th man they were looking for and the vast majority of them stayed until the bitter end.
But they couldn’t inspire City to find a way past man-of-the-match Crewe keeper Steve Phillips and watched open mouthed as the visitors picked off three counter attacking second-half goals to make themselves massive favourites for the return leg.
The Sentinel
A VINTAGE away performance launched Crewe to within 90 minutes of a return to Wembley.
Two goals from Brad Inman, including a stunning second solo effort, and a third from Ajay Leitch-Smith helped the Alex turn an heroic defensive performance into what must rank as one of the best wins in their history.
Crewe, spurred on by the outstanding Steve Phillips in goal, now must complete the job in the second leg at Gresty Road on February 20 to be in with a shout of picking up their first major trophy.
The Sun
COVENTRY ace Cyrus Christie was booked for trying to stop a yob from marring last night’s Northern Area final.
The full-back tripped a bare-chested moron who charged on to the field towards the end of this first-leg clash.
This latest incident comes just 24 HOURS after another idiot ran on to the pitch to attack Wycombe keeper Jordan Archer during his team’s 1-0 win at Gillingham. Thankfully, Sky Blues players managed to get control of last night’s intruder before letting stewards take over without anyone being attacked.
But serious questions must be asked of ref Graham Salisbury’s decision to book a player who acted to prevent any harm or danger being caused to any of the players or officials.
Angry Coventry boss Mark Robins said: “I just don’t understand the logic of booking Cyrus. He stopped him and there was nothing in it. It was so the stewards could move him.”
Bradden Inman scored two second-half goals to put Crewe in sight of Wembley before AJ Leitch-Smith added a third.
Coventry Observer
THE SKY Blues have it all to do if they are to make their first trip to Wembley in 26 years after three second-half goals handed Crewe the initiative in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy northern area final.
Despite dominating for much of the match in front of a sell-out crowd at the Ricoh Arena, Mark Robins' side were left cursing their luck in front of goal.
And after not taking one of 25 chances at goal, Crewe made them pay thanks to a second-half brace from Bradden Inman and a neat late finish by AJ Leitch-Smith.
Crewe Chronicle
AFTER watching Crewe Alex’s stunning 3-0 win at Coventry City on Tuesday night boss Steve Davis said: “We had to ride our luck at times and you need that against a good side with a partisan crowd behind them.
“Our game plan has worked for us. We set out to frustrate them and restrict them having opportunities, although they had a lot and we are realistic with the fact that it could have been different.
“Saying that we defended superbly well and made blocks and interceptions all night. There was some real grit and determination and I can only praise each and every one of them.
“They put in a lot of hard work to get a great result against a good team and we know it is only half time in the tie. There is a still a lot to work to be done in the second leg.”