DCFC 2 vs 2 Crewe Alexandra

Last minute equaliser blow for DCFC

DCFC were denied the win in their 1st game of 2010 thanks to a cool finish from the Crewe forward in the last minute of time.

DCFC had not played a game since mid-Dec and the cobwebs were there for all to see as Crewe (who had played last week) started much the brighter and dominated the play.

Crewe took a deserved lead in the 5th minute after a diagonal ball was not dealt with the the strike pounced on the ball to strike it past the despairing Gardner.

Crewe had a chance to go 2-0 up a few minutes later after a corner from the left was met by a Crewe head which was pushed over the bar by Gardner.

DCFC did start to come into the game but could not string any passes together of note and it was Crewe who had another chance to extend their lead. Another diagonal ball from the Crewe left found the Crewe striker who pulled his effort wide.

Again Crewe should have extended their lead as Danny Watling was beaten down the left but the Crewe player pulled his shot wide.

Finally DCFC started to get on a par with their rivals and carve their own chances. Mark Ephgrave collected the ball on the half way line and put Allen Jones through with a fantastic ball between the 2 centre backs. Jones brought the ball down, took a touch and then fired an effort towards the top corner, however his effort struck the bar and went over.

Allen Jones was again involved as he linked up well with Tomas Hutchinson on the left and fired an effort wide.

It was Allen Jones who got the DCFC goal as they started to dominate play. The Crewe right back held onto the ball too long and was robbed by Allen Jones who then fired an unstoppable shot past the stranded Crewe Keeper.

DCFC continued to pile forward and a Mark Ephgrave corner was headed into the side netting at the front post.


HT 1-1


DCFC started the brighter again hoping to stamp their authroity at home and Jones fired an effort over after being played in by Ephgrave.

DCFC took the lead minutes later, a poor back pass was seized upon by the pacey Mark Ephgrave who took the ball past the 'keeper and rolled it into the net.

Crewe were becoming frustrated as the following 20 minutes became very scrappy as Crewe struggled to breach the DCFC defence. Crewe resorted to testing Gardner from range and had 3 efforts in succession which found a solid Gardner.

Crewe did start to dominate as DCFC tired toward the end of the game and they did have a chance when their No.9 was free in the DCFC area only to have his goal-bound effort smothered brilliantly by Gardner.

Crewe had a free kick in the D but could only chip over

Gardner did nearly turn from hero to villan however after his error lead to Crewe having a free kick 14 yards out. The DCFC defence however was resolute and they put their bodies on the line for the cause.

Cramp started to effect the midfield and defence for DCFC but they had a chance to go 3-1 up after hitting Crewe on the break. Andy Evans picked the ball up on the right and blazed past the Crewe defence to go 1 on 1 with the 'keeper. With the whole team watching hoping for the usually cool Evans to slot home for 3-1 he hesitated and allowed the defender to catch him.

This was to prove costly as with the ref's whistle imminent Crewe resorted to shooting on sight in a desperate attempt to get the goal. One effort cannoned off Matt darlington only to find a Crewe player who rather then blasting for goal curled his shot past Gardner to the horror of the DCFC players.

Crewe attacked direct from the kick off, however when the ball was cleared the ref blew for full time.

FT 2-2

Team 5-3-2

Jay Gardner

James O'Neill
Steven Mace
Steven Robinson
Matthew Darlington ©
Daniel Watling (Sheehan 75)

Andy Holliday
Ashley Dolan
Tomas Hutchinson

Mark Ephgrave (Andrew Evans 60)
Allen Jones (Daniel Salmon 80)