Alex Morris’ U23s make it two wins in a row with a 4-1 victory over Hull City.
A Second half brace from Connor Salisbury and two first half goals from Tyreece Onyeka and Charlie Finney gives the reds 3 well deserved points at home.
The Reds started strongly leading to an early goal in the third minute. Onyeka worked hard to press the Tigers defence and made it difficult for them to pass it out, eventually his hard work paid off as he nicked possession just outside the Hull penalty area. Onyeka then put the Hull defender on the back foot as he cut onto his left and fired one through the goalkeepers’ legs and into the back of the net.
Now with an early advantage, Will Jaaskelainen was forced to make a brilliant save just after twelve minutes, with a loose ball falling to the Hull centre forward who struck it well, looking to bring the game level. Jaaskelainen didn’t get too much time to rest however as he was called upon again. Crewe were dispossessed high up the pitch forcing the Finland Under-21 international to make a save with his left foot to keep our lead intact.
The Railwaymen started to gain control of the game after their early pressure. A great chance came down the left as Sean Lawton dragged the defenders in and offloaded to Woodcock out wide. As the flag went up Woodcock floated a ball into the back post finding Salisbury waiting to head it past the opposition keeper. This however didn’t stop our hunt for a second. Soon after, we doubled our lead through a thunderous effort from Charlie Finney on the edge of the box which flew into the top corner giving the Hull goalkeeper little chance.
Now two goals up, Morris’ men stayed tight and organised at the back giving the Hull strikers very little to work with in behind. The last chance of the first half came from the right-hand side as Sam Bhatti’s cross dipped to Woodcock at the back post who couldn’t quite get over the awkward bounce as his side footed effort went just over. It was an excellent half.
After the break it was a slow calculated affair from the Alex as they continued to control possession. Crewe were patiently waiting for a chance to add to their lead and that chance came in the 65th minute. Finney found space down the left, taking on his man and squaring the ball across to Salisbury in a good position, who coolly slotted in our third of the afternoon.
The Tigers started to throw more men forward and managed to win a penalty in the 70th minute but Will Jaaskelainen once again stepped up and saved a firmly struck effort low down to his left. It then took the Alex just three minutes to get their fourth of the day, through more high pressing with Connor Salisbury jumping on a loose pass. His touch took the ball past the last man and set up nicely for him to slot home his second and the Alex’s fourth.
The Tigers threw caution to the wind in the last ten, trying everything to get something from the game. Crewe’s defensive wall lasted until the 90th minute before being broken but it was too late for the visitors.
An excellent showing from the U23s, and a well-deserved victory.
Crewe: Jaaskelainen, Bhatti, Lawton, O’Riordan, Thomas, Woodcock, Holicek, C.Finney, Salisbury, Tabiner, Onyeka.
Subs Used: Crolla, Kempster-Down.