Crawley Town 2-0 Crewe Alex 23/24 Play-Off Final Review - Identity

The Alex's first goals conceded at Wembley in 90 minutes. The first defeat in regular time at Wembley. All good runs have to come to an end and today their good record at Wembley came to an end. And it was probably for the best, as the season had been running on fumes for months. The win at Doncaster convinced us that maybe the Crewe of old were back. But they weren't. And so it was that they fell to a comfortable defeat that leaves them to pick up the pieces in League Two next season. Here is my review of the defeat to the Red Devils:

Identity

Crawley are everything Crewe wish they were. They have an identity, they play good passing football. They aren't afraid to make mistakes. They do all this with a manager that has spent less time in charge of them than Bell has, after a fire sale of their best players last summer, using non-league scouting and smart recruitment to build a fast, energetic team. They are what the Alex should be aspiring to be.

All the Issues

Everything we saw from the start of March came back with a vengeance. I get sticking with the 4-2-3-1, but it didn't work out. But my issue came from the constant changing from Bell during the game. He started the 2nd half by switching to a 3-4-3 for...reasons.

The constant changes, never giving a plan B time to settle. Square pegs in round holes. Lightweight in midfield, no clue in attack, mistakes in defence. It's been a good season, but their issues in the final 2 months of the season came back to bite them in every way today.

The Dive

Finals are won and lost on key moments. And Chris Long's 1-on-1 with Addai will be remembered and talked about for a while I'd imagine. Quite what he was thinking in not doing everything he could do to round Addai and score, I don't know. Why his first instinct was to shamelessly dive, I don't know. If that is was his final noteworthy moment in a Crewe shirt, then I can't think of a more appropriate moment for him as a player. And as a person.

Bright Future

Yes, it wasn't the Alex's day and there are clearly a lot of things to fix with this team. But the core of the team is solid and just needs refining. They're going to lose some big players over the coming weeks. They're going to lose some deadweight.

But Bell will have a blank canvas to reshape the team how he wishes. He'll have a busy summer, but the Alex will be an attractive proposition for any player. If his recruitment and managerial skills are as good as this season suggests they are, then they'll bounce back quickly. In Demetriou, Billington, Powell, Tabiner, Holicek and Agius, they have a super talented core of players to build around. They have the spine, they just need to add on the edges.

Ref Watch

He was a bit too picky in some of his decisions, but VAR did help him get the major incident in the game right, the Long penalty call. He wasn't brilliant, but he was ok.

Management Rating

On the day, their players didn't show up. That's a fact. I won't criticise the starting XI as it was the same group that performed at Doncaster. But the tactics were muddled and they were outplayed on the off the pitch. A lot to think about for Bell and co as they head into their shortened summer break.

Player Ratings

Max Stryjek

Kept the score down with some excellent saves throughout the game. He'll always be remembered for his penalty shoot out heroics at Donny though. Best of luck for the future Max.

Lewis Billington

Meh, was there. Didn't really affect things good or bad. How and where he fits in next season will be interesting to see.

Ed Turns

Battled well, but found dealing with Crawley's rampant attack difficult. You could tell he was struggling with his knee.

Mickey Demetriou - MOTM

Put in another captains performance, but it wasn't enough to life those around him. Came close with a late header, but couldn't do much else.

Rio Adebisi

Found dealing with Gordon on the left tricky, but his crossing wasn't great unfortunately. Will he be back next season?

Conor Thomas

Battled well in midfield, but he had no support and his body only allowed him to play just over an hour.

Joel Tabiner

Once again looked lost in midfield. Just couldn't cope with the pace of physicality of Crawley. He's not a CM and never has been. A rethink is needed with him.

Shilow Tracey

Anonymous, as he's been most of the season. I'll say it again. Bench impact player next season.

Aaron Rowe

Not a number 10. Never has been a number 10. Yet still gets played as one. He was poor, with lax passing, stupid shooting and another needless booking. People want to sign him permanently?! Give me a break.

Chris Long

His Crewe career summed up in one moment. Him as a person, summed up in one moment. If he isn't on the released list in the next week, I'll be very, very unhappy.

Elliott Nevitt

Not his day as he struggled with a lack of service once again. I hope he's back next season, but I can see him wanting a shot in L1 and given he'll be 28 in October and might not get another opportunity, I wouldn't be surprised if he takes it. I'll wish him well if he does go.

Subs:

Courtney Baker-Richardson

Came on and failed to add much. If he leaves this summer, I won't be bothered.

Josh Austerfield

Didn't do anything of note, good or bad. They'll always be Stockport and Notts County I suppose.

Lewis Leigh

Got stuck in and passed it alright. He just wasn't what they were missing in January.

Charlie Kirk

He stepped up at Colchester. And he stepped up at Donny in the shootout. But as with a few others on this list, if that was his last game in a Crewe shirt, I won't be too upset.

Matus Holicek

Tabiner isn't a CM. Neither is Matus. Finding a spot he can flourish in will be hugely important next season.

Overall Verdict

Meh. Never felt more at ease with what just transpired. It's been a good season and there are a lot of positives to take into 24-25. League One would have been fun. But League Two is where the Alex deserve to be. They have to let this pain motivate them to come back stronger and even go one further next season, whether that's via the top 3 or Wembley.

Roll on the retained list. And the friendlies. And the away shirt. And the new signings. And the fixture release date. And England in the Euros. And of course, hopefully another positive season for Crewe Alex in 24-25. There is a lot to look forward to. Bring it on!