David Artell, the Crewe Alexandra boss, said that a point was the least his side deserved after they fought back from 2-1 to grab a point. That man again Charlie Kirk emerged from the bench to score a dramatic equaliser in injury time. He tucked home a pass from the advanced George Ray to cancel Anthony Kay’s wonder strike with 20 minutes that had threatened to be the winner for a long time!
Following the 2-2 draw in the derby, Artell told the club’s official website: “A draw was the least we deserved today. I thought that when Anthony Kay has scored a screamer from 30 yards it isn’t going to be our day but we kept going and the lads were terrific.
“We dominated the game for the opening 35 minutes and perhaps should have scored more than the one goal we did score. They have scored a penalty from our mistake and they have hit a worldie, other than that I didn’t think they had too many chances.
“I cannot remember them having too many other chances and them losing their goalkeeper was a game changer. I am not trying to belittle their goalkeeper and I would think Neil Aspin probably thinks the same.
“Their substitute goalkeeper made some great saves and it looked as though it was going to be a story of two goalkeepers. He was like Neville Southall at times.
"He made an unbelievable save to stop a shot from Eddie and he did likewise to deny Greeny.
“I have a stronger squad now and it makes a massive difference to be able to bring those players on. They can change the game and Kirky is in great goalscoring form. It isn’t an easy finish. It was a great finish and we deserved it. He has a bright future in the game.
“I thought the referee was terrific. He handled it really well and let the game flow at times. I thought he was excellent because I think we can see how much it means to the fans. It is that pride or disappointment of going into work or wherever tomorrow morning.
Artell added: “I was pleased with the performance and I am delighted we managed to get a point, because when you go into injury time you have to take it. I am a bit disappointed that is not three points but we certainly didn’t deserve to lose.