- Beth Ragdale's last grasp equaliser helps The Alex to a point
- The Reds come from behind twice
- Gibbons grabs her first in Crewe colours
Katie Gibbons was able to score her first goal in Red and White on Sunday afternoon as Beth Ragdale’s late header gained The Alex a point.
Matt Fisher's came into this tie off the back of a healthy 3-1 victory away to Blackpool Ladies last time out.
But his side were without Emma Heath and Laura Garner who withdrew from the squad late on due to illness and injury.
The Alex were able to welcome back Kirsty Stafford which strengthened the options from the bench.
Fisher kept the faith with the team that finished so strongly at Blackpool last week, but they struggled to replicate the dominance they showed previously.
Fleetwood took the lead on 24 minutes when a corner managed to travel all the way thorough the crowded box only to be tapped in from close-range with no challenge from the home side.
Despite the early struggle, Crewe managed to get an equaliser against the run of play. Caitlin Bradbury played the ball into the middle of the pitch and a super one touch combination play between Rubie Deaville and Jess Sheridan created an opportunity for Megan Ragdale. She drove at her opponents and the killer through ball was expertly converted by Gibbons.
A lapse in concentration followed though and Fleetwood hit back instantly as yet another set piece wasn’t dealt with. Hannah Holloway and Megan Ragdale manage to make two great blocks at the near post but the Fleetwood attacker was on hand to convert the rebound from a yard out.
Crewe looked to start the second half brightly and use Deaville more who had been a nuisance for the visitors all afternoon.
Beth Ragdale came close with a header, and Leah Collins should have done better with her chance as she got on the end of Gibbons's cross, but she could only blast over.
The home side continued to push and had a penalty appeal turned away on the hour mark when it seemed like Gibbons was bundled to the floor in the penalty area.
Amanda Fallon, who was having a quiet afternoon fluffed a great chance after receiving an excellent pass from Beth Ragdale.
Crewe’s dominance in the second half didn't seem to be finding the luck they needed until Emilia Edwards's corner was perfectly executed by Beth Ragdale, who rose highest in a crowded penalty area.
Crewe almost grabbed a winner in the dying minutes of the entertaining contest, but neither Fallon nor Edwards could hit the target.
Matt Fisher said: "The girls showed great character to get back into the game twice.
"We struggled to adjust to Fleetwood's tactics in the opening 45 minutes, but in the second half we got in control of possession and found more space between their units and created problems for them.
With numerous chances in the closing period, Fisher felt the Alex could've actually snatched all three points.
He added: "I actually think we could've won that game, but it was probably one we would've lost last year, so to keep pushing like we did and to get something late on feels good."
Crewe Alexandra Women host Preston North End on Sunday, October 1 in The Women's FA Cup Second Qualifying Round.