Crewe Alex 4-1 Bromley 24/25 Review - The snow never bothered us anyway!

Pfft. All these other clubs seeing their games called off for snow and ice, not Crewe. It was cold and it was wet, but there wasn't a hint of the white stuff as the Alex put on show against the in form Bromley to not only bring the Ravens 12 game unbeaten to a crashing end, but move the reds up to 2nd in the table. Here is my review of a brilliant afternoon of football in what were filthy conditions:

Unplayable

The Alex were in an unplayable mood today. Lankester did Lankester things with his 12th and 13th goal involvements of the season. He could have had a hat trick and is far too good for L2. Omar Bogle showed his full potential with a physically dominant display and 2 goals. They were the highlights, but I could go on and list everybody else. The defence mopped up everything the Bromley giants could throw at them. The midfield were controlled and found space to control possession. It was their best performance of the season in terms of all round play. And what a time to put it in.

Ordinary

Yes, the Alex probably played Bromley at a good time, given they were coming off a days less rest and preparation time. But honestly, I don't think even equal time to prepare would have made a difference today. Bromley looked very much like the side that we saw lose back in August in the reverse fixture. A team full of tall but limited players, who had no answer to the quick passing football the Alex came determined to play. Their long ball and physical approach came unstuck and there was only one winner from very early on in the game.

Damning Indictment

Let's also call a spade a spade and admit that L2 this season is absolutely terrible. Bromley were carrying a 12 game unbeaten run, had just dispatched Gillingham and were fast rising up the table. If they are a mid-table size, then my goodness is there less quality in this league than we thought.

In a Good Spot

The table looks nice right now doesn't it? Yes, we've only just ticked into the 2nd half of the season and there are still 21-24 games to for every team, but to see the Alex 2nd is lovely to see. And what's more impressive is, they've come through the festive period relatively unscathed. Zac Williams should be back from his illness shortly. Kane Hemmings isn't far off. James Connolly's hamstring issue looks worrying, but aside from that, they've managed to rest and rotate players and look to have a fit and healthy squad as the fixtures ease off.

Their annual December wobble has given way to their annual January resurgence. With their next 3 games coming against sides in the bottom 6, if they get 7-9 points on the board, they'll be in a very good position to contend for the top 3.

Ref Assessment

Jackson was his usual picky self. It was funny to see him constantly pick up Bromley for foul throws, something you almost never see these days. Still, the bookings for Cooney and Billington felt unnecessary.

Management Assessment

Spot on in every regard. Made the right choice in dropping Tabiner, Long and Tracey and they got their reward with an outstanding display. They managed the subs carefully after using an early on on Connolly and got them correct also. Just a brilliant afternoon all round.

Player Assessment

Filip Marschall

Came agonisingly close to saving Cheek's penalty, but his command of the box was superb as he claimed a lot of difficult crosses.

James Connolly

Looked bright until an unfortunate hamstring injury saw him come off. Hopefully it isn't a bad one.

Jamie Knight-Lebel

A solid and commanding display capped off by a lovely looping header for the Alex's 4th and his 2nd in 3 games.

Mickey Demetriou

A couple of iffy decisions, but overall he was excellent as he mopped up everything that came at the back line with a number of well timed clearances and blocks.

Ryan Cooney

A bright and energetic display down the right, his booking was a silly one however. Still, it was good to see him fully recovered from the head knock he sustained against Carlisle.

Matus Holicek

A quieter day for him, but he was still involved and trying to make things happen. A good solid 90 minutes banked.

Max Sanders

A typically calm and controlled display, he's growing into his role in the team with increasing confidence. I get they have to manage him, but it was a shame to see him go off just before the hour.

Jack Powell

Is he getting back to his pre-injury best? He could well be. He completed 38/53 passes, the most on the team. Another 78 minutes in the legs, a trio of him, Sanders and Holicek could be the way forward. His unfortunate handball for the penalty was the only blot on his copybook.

Max Conway

He easily won the battle against Danny Imray on the left, which is impressive given Imray is seemingly L1 bound in the coming weeks. He was excellent once again.

Jack Lankester

Ridiculous. What is he, a top 10 attacking player in L2? Higher? Every single week, he dominates and makes L2 defences look very silly. Another goal and an assist, he could have had a hat trick and it would have been deserved. Just a superb footballer.

Omar Bogle MOTM

He narrowly beats Lankester to the MOTM award. He was incredible and gave the Bromley brutes no peace whatsoever. 2 goals and close to another in the 2nd half, he worked himself into the ground and showed why he's played at higher levels for most of his career.

Subs:

Lewis Billington

What a introduction, even if it was forced. His run and assist for the 3rd goal was outstanding and he got another assist for Knight-Lebel's header. Give him a chance to compete for a spot at CB, it's where he looks more comfortable, much like Williams on the other side. He easily starts next week for me, even if Williams is recovered from illness.

Joel Tabiner

It was the right call to drop him and I don't think he did enough today to earn a starting spot back ahead of the midfield trio that began the game. This should be a shot across his bows that he needs to improve.

Shilow Tracey

Unfortunate on a few occasions to not get away from the Bromley defence. He was lively and for me, a bench role is where he belongs.

Owen Lunt

A lively introduction when he came on, his run and shot late on was impressive. He needs to get more minutes.

Chris Long

Another who came on and made an impact, his late run caused Grant to pick up a 2nd booked, which was funny to watch. Can he stay fit though?

Overall Verdict

A brilliant 90 minutes of football to liven up what was a filthy day weather wise. They're in a great position squad wise, form wise and position wise. With a favourable set of fixtures ahead of them in the next few weeks, things are looking very rosy at Gresty Road. Long may it continue.