Brice winner gives Leek win
minute strike from Leek’s number 9 Tim Brice proved to be the only goal of a competitive game. Brice ran in behind Mark Ellis to finish confidently past a helpless Alan Martin but the Crewe defence did feel that the striker had strayed into an offside position.thCrewe Alexandra slipped to their first defeat in pre-season at Leek this evening. A 15
The Railwaymen certainly enjoyed the majority of the possession and although the likes of Vadaine Oliver, Max Clayton and in the second period a returning Mathias Pogba and Lee Molyenux just couldn’t find an equaliser to keep our unbeaten record going in the pre-season.
After slipping behind to Brice's eventual winner, Crewe upped the tempo in search of an equaliser. Max Clayton had a strong appeal for a penalty waved away when his shot on the turn hit the hand of Andy Bratt. The referee continued to let the game flow and their was a competitive edge to the affair throughout.
Crewe's best chance of the first half saw the Leek goalkeeper Ben Chapman tip over a downward header from Oliver. The striker also headed into the gloves of the well placed goalkeeper. Ryan Colclough cut in from his wing position but fired wide, as did youngster Ollie Turton from 25 yards out.
Crewe were being restricted to long range efforts with Mark Ellis pressing forward but he couldn't direct his effort on target to trouble Chapman.
The Railwaymen increased the tempo at the beginning of the second half but the Leek centre backs continued to head our crosses going into the penalty area. The final ball was lacking from the Alex this evening but the introduction of Lee Molyneux and Pogba certainly introduced an attacking edge. Both went close with Pogba having a powerful shot blocked and Molyneux having a late effort jusr clear the Leek crossbar.