Chesterfield 2-0 Crewe Alex 25-26 Review - Encapsulation

Well, if it's any consolation(which it isn't), I had a lovely drive over the peak district to get to and from this game. That's why I will never mind if the Alex play Chesterfield next season or in any future season. It doesn't make up for what was a disappointing performance and result for the Alex, nor does it make up for their painful limp to the finish line, but it was nice all the same. Here is my review of the Alex's final away defeat of the season:

Competitive

The Alex were up for it today. They had nothing to play for, but they didn't look like. They looked every bit as ready and determined as Chesterfield. Yes, the stats will say Chesterfield were far better and in some respects they were, but I thought the Alex held their own for the most part, even at 1-0 and 2-0. This was no end of season, on the beach tummies tickled session.

Quality

But, as has been the story of their season, they were simply lacking in both boxes. In defence, they were too open, mostly thanks to another non-existent midfield and some poor play in their own half. They made poor errors, gave the ball away cheaply and they allowed Chesterfield to pounce.

Then at the other end, they had more than enough attacking moments, but the quality deserted them time and time again. Players refusing to shoot, crosses missing their targets repeatedly, some being too lazy to stay onside. They've had a generally good season, although I appreciate it doesn't feel that way right now. But they came up short today for the same reason they came up short in the promotion race. Because they haven't got enough quality.

Long Way Off

The last 3 weeks should have really hit home just how far off the Alex are in terms of consistently being a top 7 side. They've had moments where they look like they belong up there, but for the most part they've been miles off it. Against Grimsby, MK and Chesterfield, they've been outscored 8 to 3 and none of the games have been particularly close. The Alex have looked competitive, but the reality is they are a long way

Away Struggles

This defeat also hammers home just how much their away form this season has dropped off a cliff. This defeat was their 11th away from home, their most ever in a full season under Lee Bell. Their lack of pragmatism to go and scrap out results on the road, long a backbone of their relative success under him, deserted them this season. They enjoyed some brilliant wins, but the reality is, after their opening 2 wins at Salford and Fleetwood, they finished the season 5-5-11. That's not good. Fixing why they lost almost half their away games, including some to honking teams, is going to be something they have to take a long look at this summer.

Referee Assessment

Missed a few calls as you'd expect, but honestly one of the better ones this season I thought.

Management Assessment

Meh. Managing with a short hand, so I don't blame them for coming up short today. But the same questions remain. Do they have what it takes to take this team to the next level?

Player Assessments

Ian Lawlor MOTM

Given he took a battering very early on saving a free kick, I was amazed he stayed on the pitch. But I'll give him his due, he was the only reason the scoreline stayed close, as he made a number of top quality saves and was thankfully mistake free after a couple of shaky weeks. An excellent performance.

Lewis Billington

I do not want to see him at RB next season. There were several moments where the got into good positions today, but his crosses were woefully off target. I'm going to be annoyed if he's the starting RB in August.

Alfie Pond

Ok enough, but yet another yellow card, his 7th in just 16 starts, isn't great. He's been a fairly average loanee unfortunately.

Mickey Demetriou

Some brilliant defensive moments, followed by some woeful ones. I'm a broken record, but they need to start looking at a transition, because I honestly think he's got maybe 1 more season of football at this level in him before he needs to either drop a level or 2 or retire. He's not a top quality CB anymore.

Reece Hutchinson

Kept Markanday mostly quiet on the left, but struggled to get forward and make anything happen.

Conor Thomas

He came, he had 14 touches, he left at half time. Please for the love of god let this be the last time he appears in a Crewe shirt.

Jack Powell

His Alex career might not have gone to plan, but his Cryuff turn to leave 2 Chesterfield players for dead was sublime. I just wish the Alex played to his strengths a bit more.

Tommi O'Reilly

A couple of nice touches and crosses, but he had little support unfortunately. Didn't look right with his shoulder issue.

Matus Holicek

A lot of nice play today, but it was all in non-dangerous areas. How do the Alex find a way to make him a consistent penalty box threat?

Josh March

Feel for him out on the left, he too had some nice moments, but his final ball. Watching him encourage Dancey and Moore was a nice touch though.

Emre Tezgel

I'll remember him as much for the goals as I will for the missed chances. 3 more to add to the collection today, although non were sitters, he might have done better for all of them. Personally, I think he needs another season in L2 as I think he'd struggle in L1. I will say though that he looked half arsed at times today. He was the one who got shrugged aside to lose the ball that led to the 1st goal.

Subs:

Adrien Thibaut

Should have scored from Moore's pull back and his poor touch in the box when he should have shot summed up a lively but frustrating half from him.

Luca Moore

Bright playing on the RW, his cut back for Thibaut deserved an assist. He starts alongside Powell next week in CM for me.

Stan Dancey

Coped ok at RB and got forward a few times to put in some decent crosses. I'd have no problem with him being the main RB back up to a new starter next season.

Shilow Tracey

Came on, but struggled to get any of the ball.

Charlie Finney

His first appearance since early February. Meh.

Overall Verdict

A limp to the finish which will do little to generate momentum and optimism for next season. There is no shame at losing to Grimsby. Or MK. Or Chesterfield. But you can't lose all 3. And the Alex have. That in itself sums up their season. Not quite good enough.