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RECREATION GROUND | BROOKBURN ROAD | CHORLTON | M21 8FE
by Mike Curry · 26/11/2019
Only a week since our last meeting with Crewe and a comfortable 3-1 win, West travelled to the Cumberland Arena hoping for more of the same.
A bright start and on 4 minutes Vicky Frisby picked out a through ball to Rachael Dunlop who raced onto it in the box, but her touch past the keeper was heavy, and stretching to shoot, saw the ball trickle wide.
Crewe were quickly on the attack and on 6 minutes, with the ball pinging around the West 18 yard box, and our defence unable to clear, one of their forwards was brought down and a penalty was awarded. Efficiently tucked away into the bottom corner, Crewe were a goal to the good. 1-0
Two differences in Crewe’s game became noticeable compared to last week’s fixture. The first was their intent on stopping Rachael’s runs which were so dangerous last week, and also their pace was a much bigger threat, particularly along the front line, and from deeper with their 7.
Still, it was West who carved out the next chance and a lovely through ball from Amy Vyas to Sophie Bracegirdle unfortunately led to an easy save for the keeper.
The game had settled into a pretty even contest and chances were at a premium. That is, until the 23rd minute, when Vyas produced another sumptuous through ball, Rach was on it in a flash, skipped past the keeper and finished for the equaliser. 1-1.
Again the game settled into a close contest with little chance of a goal, until the 40th minute. Crewe saw a dangerous free kick go just wide, and on 43 minutes they really should have taken the lead. Their 11 burst through and is one on one, but Claire makes a fine save and we clear. A big let-off for West and the last action of the half.
HT 1-1
West straight on the attack in the second half but Rach sees her shot saved, and the subsequent corner is cleared.
Crewe started to impose themselves from this point, both in possession, and without it. On 51 minutes West failed to clear their lines and Crewe take advantage to regain the lead. 2-1.
Just before the hour mark, Claire is again forced into a good save, this time from the Crewe 9.
The first change for West came in the 61st minute, Megan Clarkson replacing Leah Dolan.
On 67 minutes, Jami had a great run down the left, into the box and bearing down on goal, her legs were taken from under her and, much to the annoyance of the Crewe players and their baying fans, a penalty was awarded.
Amy Vyas stepped up to take the penalty but hit the post, Vicky Kerr and Rach also failing to capitalise on the subsequent rebounds.
Crewe were successfully breaking up West’s play in an attempt to retain the lead, and things were getting a bit niggly. The ref was giving fouls, but not taking things any further.
With just over 10 minutes of normal time remaining, West were awarded another penalty. Rach Dunlop clearly brought down. This time she stepped up herself, and buried the equaliser. 2-2.
On 82 minutes the referee finally reached for his cards. Unfortunately it was Jami who paid the price, reaching for an underhit pass and instead catching the player. Harsh given the succession of fouls against our players..
On 88 minutes we had a great chance to grab the lead, Rach with one of her trademark runs finds Vicky Kerr with a cross, but her shot loops up and is comfortably saved by the Crewe keeper who had been pretty solid throughout the game.
As we entered time added on, it was our keeper to the fore again, Claire making yet another excellent one on one save.
There was still time for a Crewe free kick in a dangerous position which West cleared. The spoils shared and a creditable away point for West against former National League opposition.
Onwards and upwards, and ready for the big one at home to FC United on the 1st December.
FT 2-2
West team: Jefferson (GK), Dolan (Clarkson 61′), Caddick, Wilman, Hodges, Bracegirdle, Mitchell, Kerr, Frisby, Vyas, Dunlop.
Subs: Mason
Scorers: Dunlop (2)
Attendance: 50