Duggy dedicates his crucial goal to son Jace

Adam Dugdale usually times his goals to perfection. The Alex defender scored his first goal for the club since his play-off winner in the first leg against Southend United almost two years ago. Dugdale did score a goal whilst on loan at Tranmere Rovers earlier in the season but his first for Crewe came at the perfect time as his powerful header from Jon Guthrie’s corner gave us the perfect start against Preston North End at the weekend.

A second goal converted from close range by Mathias Pogba put Crewe firmly in the driving seat, as we needed three points to safeguard our safety in League One. 

Dugdale, who has had to endure a heart breaking year due to the sad passing of his son Jade, celebrated survival on the pitch with his new born baby son Jace.

Adam told the club’s official web-site: “It’s been an emotional 12 months for me personally and for the club with what has gone on, but thankfully the team came through the other side.

“I was made for everyone connected with the club because it would have been a nightmare if we had gone down.

“It was a fantastic day for everyone but Jude is still very much in my thoughts and I pointed to the sky when I celebrated my goal. I dedicated the goal to Jude. We have another little one now who means everything.

“I absolutely love Jace and adore him, so it was wonderful to carry him around with me when we celebrated with the fans after the game. We thoroughly deserved the three points and now we can go away, have a good summer and then look forward to another season in League One.

Adam added: “There are some very promising young players at this club and I am sure they will return stronger for having come through this experienced in the way we have.”