Doncaster Rovers 0-2 Crewe Alex (2-2 Agg, 3-4 on pens) 23/24 Play-Off Semi-Final 2nd Leg Review - One for the Ages

I've been highly critical of this team at times. More than they probably deserved. But then they go and pull out arguably their best individual performance, given the circumstances, in probably the last 12 years. I'm trying to think of many that would top that since they went to Southend and drew 2-2. But I'm struggling. They were, to a man, superb, which given how unlikely it looks after they meekly rolled over and died on Monday, was also up there as one of the all time shocks as well. We'll be talking about this for a long, long time. Here is my review of tonight's heroics:

Arrogance

I'll say this. Doncaster thought they had it won. Look at the comments from their media. Look at the comments from their fans since the win at Gresty Road on Monday. They were convinced they just had to show up and it would be a procession. To be fair, I can see why they'd think that given the form of both sides. But doesn't football have the habit of humbling you? I hope all those connected with Donny learnt a valuable lesson about never taking anything for granted. And I hope they got a full refund on their train tickets and hotels for next Sunday.

Half Fit

Chris Long, Joel Tabiner, Conor Thomas and Ed Turns clearly weren't fit. They forced their way through. Elliott Nevitt pulled up and had to come off. Rio and Mickey were out of gas weeks ago, but kept going. So many of these players are nowhere near it physically(totally understandable though), yet they pushed themselves through and put in a herculean effort to drag the team through to Wembley. It's beyond words how incredible each of them were.

Step Up

I won't call out individuals, because all 17 players who stepped out onto that pitch were immense. But I will pay particular credit to the 5 penalty takers. It takes huge balls to put yourself forward like that. So fair play to CBR, Demetriou, Cooney, Leigh and Kirk. The 4 takers not including Demetriou have come in for some criticism over the season.

But to see them confidently bury their kicks, especially the last 3 takers, shows huge guts and bottle. Max Stryjek has also not convinced some, but he saved 2 of the spot kicks and almost saved a 3rd. Instant cult hero status achieved. So many players needed big performances and they delivered.

Greatest?

2 questions. Where does this rank in terms of greatest results? Still feel 1997 ranks number 1, but after that? Maybe Southend in 2012, or Cheltenham in the following game? This one has to slot into the top 10 though and I'll happily hear an argument to put it in the top 5.

And surely this ranks as their greatest ever comeback? They'll have had games where they've recovered from 2-0 down, maybe even 3-0 down. I'll have to go back and check. But to do it after looking so thoroughly beaten on Monday, with key players missing, several others half fit, against an in form and flying Doncaster, on the road, has to put it at number 1.

This is a night that will live long, long in the memory of every single Crewe employee and of course, the fans who deserve their trip to the arch. Roll on next Sunday!

Ref Watch

Honestly, I thought he was excellent. Yes, he let a lot of clear fouls go, but for both sides. He let the game flow and I would much rather that than the broken, disjointed games we often get treated to at this level. Give me more refs like him in the future.

Management Rating

When they needed to get it right, they did. When they needed a performance from their players, they got it. When they needed to make a sub, those that came on answered the call and then some. They believed. I, and a few of other fans I suspect, didn't see this coming. But they keep proving me, some fans and most of all, every single pundit and neutral fan that keeps writing them off, wrong. Very wrong. Incredible, they deserve this moment.

Player Ratings

Max Stryjek

Was rock solid throughout, showing why he's been in L1 for the time he has. Made 2 massive saves in the shootout to instantly become a folk hero. He probably won't be back next season, but he'll go down as an Alex legend for tonight alone.

Lewis Billington

Dealt with Adelekun brilliantly. Made key blocks and tackles, didn't put a foot wrong. What an unreal display from the youngster.

Ed Turns

Warrior. Clearly not fit, clearly still hampered by his injury, but pushed himself through what must have been 120 minute agonising minutes and got his reward. Back to back promotions are still on for him.

Mickey Demetriou

Captains performance. Got the all important early goal, his 10th of the season. But it was his leadership and direction throughout which impressed me. He's been carrying this team all season and when he missed in the shoot out, it was his team mates who stepped up to support him. As any good team should.

Rio Adebisi

Never stopped running. I think he'll have drawn a lot of admiring glances with his performance tonight. Incredible to think this is his 52nd game started.

Joel Tabiner

Came up with the assist on Demetriou's goal with a beautiful corner. He battled hard despite clearly lacking match fitness.

Conor Thomas

Even I can't question him after that display. Held things together superbly in midfield and gave them as long as he could.

Shilow Tracey

His early running gave Donny fits and he gave his all as usual.

Aaron Rowe

He was trusted over Leigh and Kirk and he repaid the faith with an all action display that was full of running. His ball to Long for the 2nd goal was inch perfect as well.

Chris Long

Was back to his best with a dangerous display down the left. He still doesn't look fit, but he stepped up when needed, forcing the own goal with a brilliant cross.

Elliott Nevitt

Ran until he couldn't run anymore and even then he looked gutted to be coming off. He gave Donny's backline trouble all evening.

Subs

Josh Austerfield

Grew into the game and started to look like the player we saw when he first arrived. He might still have a big part to play at Wembley.

Matus Holicek

Also impressed at the game wore on and he got more space. Was a real threat on the counter.

Courtney Baker-Richardson

Added physicality upfront and buried the crucial first penalty superbly to put the Alex on their way.

Lewis Leigh

Redemption for his red card at Morecambe. Cool and calm with his spot kick, credit to him at just 20 years old.

Ryan Cooney

Another who showed balls of steel. His penalty was the picture of nonchalance. Fair bloody play to him.

Charlie Kirk

Perhaps unlucky not to start, but he more than played his part with what turned out to be the winning penalty. Now 1 game away, like Offord and Adebisi, from being a double promotion winner with the Alex.

Overall Verdict

The overall verdict?! YEEEEEESSSSS!!!!!! Sorry. But man does that feel sweet. Given all the context going into this game, it's one of the best nights in the clubs history and every single one of those management and players deserve it. Now let's see who they'll face and enjoy the game under the arch next Sunday.