Crewe Alex 3-1 Barrow 25-26 Review - Exchanged

And so the tradition goes on of Crewe Alex and Barrow exchanging 3 points. In 3 of the last 4 seasons including this one, the home side in this fixture have emerged victorious. In addition, for the 3rd time in 4 home games against the Cumbrian side, the Alex have scored 3 times to take the win. This is my review of what turned out to be a fairly comfortable afternoon:

Big Margin

I've not often seen a team that finds it easier to win games by more than 1 goal. Of the Alex's 14 wins in all competitions this season, they have won 10 by more than 1 goal. That's a bit ridiculous. With tougher opponents coming up in the next few weeks, I doubt they'll be playing with hefty leads as often, but it's pleasing that they can build up big leads as often as they do.

First Half Damage

Much like most of their wins this season, the points were wrapped up by half time. 22 of their 39 goals before today have been scored before the break and 3 more were added to that total. 2 decent finishes from Tommi O'Reilly and Calum Agius had them in a comfortable position, but their usual defensive blip allowed Barrow to claw one back. Thankfully Josh March bundled in to restore the 2 goal lead and that was all was needed.

See It Out

There was a general sense of nervousness in the 2nd half as the Alex sat deep to see the game out. But building on the above points, the Alex have been fine at seeing out multi-goal leads. They haven't surrendered a 2 goal lead since their collapse against Morecambe back in March of 23-24.

Barrow had their moments and maybe a better quality outfit might have made things more nervous, but the Alex never looked like repeating the issues that cost them in games against Newport and Harrogate. They were worthy winners.

Attack Minded

The Alex have played pretty much the whole season without Tracey, Tabiner, Lankester and Bogle. They've only really had Tezgel for 2 1/2 months during October, November and half of December. So to see their score 42 goals after 26 games, just 7 short of their entire tally for last season, is to their credit.

It's been as much about personnel as it has been a shift in philosophy. Yes, having Tezgel and O'Reilly has helped them massively. But the management becoming more willing to take risks and yes, get caught out like in games against Gillingham, Cambridge, Newport and Harrogate, needs to be praised. Maybe they will be successful this season with this approach. Maybe they won't. Regardless, this is the way Crewe Alex should always play. I hope it continues.

Attackers Stepping Up

And finally a point on the attackers. They are stepping up and doing the job they are paid for. O'Reilly added another goal to his tally and he now has 13 goal contributions for the season. Josh March has equalled his career high with 12 after a goal and an assist. Calum Agius now has goals in back to back games and has 2 goals and an assist in his last 3. They need these players to keep stepping up and contributing whilst they wait to hopefully get their injured colleagues back in action and they have been doing.

Ref Watch

Awful. Was the foul on Agius in the 2nd half a red? It looked one. And his baffling inconsistency when it came to what constituted a free kick was infuriating. But this is all par the course with Stockbridge.

Management Assessment

If Mickey is missing next week, I'll be furious that they kept him on when it seemed for all the world that he would come off when Connolly came on. But it's curious that last week, they were criticised for bringing the likes of Finney and Powell on. Now this week, some are criticising them for not making more subs. With a thin bench, what exactly are they supposed to do? I have no issues with their decisions today.

Player Assessments

Ian Lawlor

Not great to be honest. A couple of flaps, a couple of saves pushed right back into danger. I'm surprised so many seem happy with his performance. I thought he was shaky throughout.

Lewis Billington

A typical 6/10 display down the right. His through ball for March to then set up Agius was delightful though.

Alfie Pond

Calm and composed on his debut. He'll have tougher games in the coming weeks, but this was an impressive start overall.

Mickey Demetriou

A warrior and a leader, him playing on is to his credit. But his body is failing him and the injuries are stacking up, which is in turn leading to uncharacteristic mistakes from him. If the club want to maintain a play-off push, getting another experienced head at the back is an absolute must in this window.

Reece Hutchinson

Much like Billo on the other side, he was typically solid, although he did get caught out once or twice and went into the book for the 7th time this season. He has 11 games to avoid 3 more and a 2 match ban.

Max Sanders

A quieter afternoon from him I thought. He was still decent, but he didn't need to be everywhere as he has been in recent weeks. His booking was a bizarre one and a poor decision from the ref.

Owen Lunt

I liked a lot of what he did. He got stuck in and tried to make things happen. I'm just not sure what kind of midfielder he has the potential to be. He's not a number 6 and I don't think he's a number 10. Could a marauding number 8 be more suitable?

Tommi O'Reilly

He looks jaded and in need of a rest. That being said, he was still lively and got his 5th goal of the season with a long range effort.

Matus Holicek

Forced the opener by battling with Raglan and making the Barrow defender make a poor header. He is far more physical and whilst he didn't get a sight of goal, he looked a threat throughout.

Calum Agius

Again, I don't mind if he's not touching the ball 50 times a game so long as he gets on the scoresheet. And he did for his 5th goal of the season with a lovely first time finish.

Josh March MOTM

Won't score an easier goal all season but then he was in the right place at the right time to bundle home his 7th, putting him only 2 off last season's tally of 9. For that goal and his assist, he gets the MOTM award.

Subs:

James Connolly

The collective silence and shock when O'Reilly's number came up and not Demetriou's was something I've not seen before. Connolly wasn't great as they switched to a back 3, as his propensity for being drawn out of position and into silly fouls still hurt them.

Adrien Thibaut

Ran around a bit, but the lack of quality from him is glaring unfortunately.

Dion Rankine

A few touches, but nothing to get you excited.

Overall Verdict

A pallet cleanser after the debacle against Harrogate, but their promotion mettle is going to be properly tested in the coming weeks as they face some very tricky opponents. You can't help but feel the lost points from weaker opponents is going to hurt them, but for now let's enjoy the win and hope they can spring a surprise at Notts County next weekend.