- Garner screamer sets the tempo
- Crewe edge tight clash
- Everton loanee Cole scores once again
The Alex women managed to grab all three points in a tense game courtesy of a wonder strike from Laura Garner and a second half finish from Emily Cole.
Fisher made two changes to the starting XI from the previous game against Tranmere Rovers with 16-year-old Emma Heath and Jess Sheridan replacing the absent Shanice Finbow and Megan Ragdale in the heart of the midfield.
Salford Lionesses were in control of possession early on but it was the Alex who carved out the better chances as Grace Pomfret twice denied Crewe an opening goal.
The visitors remained resolute in their defending limiting Salford to minimal efforts on goal.
Once Salford did turnover the ball they were quickly back into position and made it difficult for the Reds to get close to Pomfret's goal.
Deep into injury time in the first-half Emily Cole was bundled to the ground just outside the Salford box. With everyone expecting a cross from the free-kick, Garner smashed the ball through the broken wall and into the net.
With the second period now underway, it took the Alex just seven minutes to double their lead.
Sheridan won possession in the middle of the park and set Ruby Deaville free, she found Cole with a delightful through ball and she expertly finished it off with a smart finish from 20-yards out past the onrushing 'keeper.
With the Tranmere collapse still fresh in Crewe minds where they surrendered a two goal lead to draw the game, Salford were still a threat.
The goal came from Salford with half an hour left on the clock as Beth Ragdale made a block on the edge of the box, but Emily Hutton was there to slot in from close-range.
Salford City grew in confidence after the goal and starting to ask more questions of the Crewe defence but The Alex held firm.
With time ticking away in the The Alex's favour they had to keep their concentration. Beth Ragdale came to the rescue as Hannah Holloway was beaten to the ball by Jess Battle but Ragdale was there to clear the ball off the line.
The Reds managed to keep Salford at arms length to collect all three points on the road.
Head Coach, Matt Fisher said: "We didn't show the quality on the ball that we know we can at times and it was a difficult first half, but we're really pleased with the win - we've played better than that in games this season and not got what we've deserved."
"The players took on the game plan in the second half and we caused them problems. We took our goals well and showed real character in the final stages."
Crewe Alexandra Women play their final game of 2023 at home this week against West Didsbury & Chorlton.