Witton Albion today hosted Crewe Alexandra in a friendly that marked the first of Witton’s pre season games at the U Lock It Stadium.
The game got off to a very pedestrian start, with neither team managing to stamp their authority on the game in the early stages.

Witton had a big chance in the 12th minute as Joe Edwards’ shot was parried away by Crewe ‘keeper Ian Lawlor before being cleared. Crewe then managed
to keep most of the ball, with number 7 Jack Lankester running the show. Then in the 22nd minute, a searching ball was met by Luke Offord for what looked like a certain goal.
However, Witton goalkeeper Cameron Terry had other ideas, with a wonderful save to keep the score level. Crewe continued to pile on the pressure, however Albion’s defence remained resolute meaning that at half-time, the score was level. 

Whatever the managers said to both cohorts must of done the job as from the moment the whistle was blown to kick off the second half, both teams began playing with a renewed sense of vigour.
Crewe were dominant throughout the second half, particularly from the 60th minute onwards however a flurry of poor attempts from Crewe’s frontmen meant Witton were up against it; but still in the game.
That was until Crewe’s new signing Jordan Gibson managed to get in behind the Albion defence, playing a ball across the box for Fin Roberts to tap in, making it 1-0 to Crewe.

This however didn’t seem to faze Witton as they hit backshortly after after an almighty goalmouth scramble found it’s way into Tom Booth’s net. With the scores now level
again, it was anyone’s game. Crewe continued to pile on the pressure until Crewe’s Fin Roberts managed to nick the ball from Albion’s keeper Finnan East, slotting the ball into the back of the net for 2-1.
The game looked over and it became abundantly clear that the heat was playing its part. This lead to some rather scrappy play, resulting in a penalty for Crewe in the 87th minute after a rather clumsy, tired challenge.
Josh March, who up to that point hadn’t had the best game had the chance to put it right.
However, a somewhat tame penalty was saved and held well by goalkeeper Finnan East.
Witton continued to attack, posing a real threat to the exhausted Crewe defence.
Then in the 91st minute, Witton won a free kick outside the area, which was calmly slotted past a helpless Tom Booth to surely finish the game at 2-2.

This wasn’t to be the case as in the end, Crewe continued probing until
Fin Roberts put a deft ball in that was headed in at the death by Crewe
starlet Luca Moore, to break Wittonian hearts.
The game ended 3-2, with Witton giving what was a very strong Crewe Alexandra side a tough test. Crewe manager Lee Bell credited Witton for the game, admitting that they were a tough team to play against.

Best of luck to both teams ahead of the upcoming football season.