Crewe ended their torrid season on a high after a clinical second half performance ensured an impressive victory over a youthful Millwall side. Crewe lined up with 10 academy graduates in their starting eleven, with a further 3 on the bench. Millwall, meanwhile, had 7 of their youth products beginning the game.
A dire first half is barely worth reflecting upon. However, there were some positives to be noted from the first half display. Billy Jones was magnificient during the first half at left back, though was later moved to central midfield to help Crewe cope with Marvin Elliott, who was dominating the game during the first half. Millwall took the lead after 15 minutes as Ben May bundled home in a crowded penalty area to earn him his 10th goal of the season. It was a fairly soft goal and Crewe had tried to be far too intricate with their play in very risky areas. Billy Jones rifled a left footed shot just over from 25 yards before Steve Foster had a header saved by Lions’ keeper Colin Doyle. However, Crewe’s front two brilliantly combined to light up a previously uninspiring first half. Eddie Johnson flicked it over to Michael Higdon outside the area, who returned the favour with a deft flick of his own, before Eddie Johnson battered home a volley from 20 yards across the keeper into the right hand corner.
Dario Gradi made the expected substitutions at half time, with Lee Bell and Michael Higdon making way for Michael O’Connor and Nicky Maynard. Nicky Maynard replaced Higdon up front, Michael O’Connor played on the right of midfield, meaning David Vaughan – who was playing on the right of midfield – moved to left back as Billy Jones switched to central midfield.
It didn’t take long for the substitutes to make their impact. Before the stadium announcer could officially declare the substitutions, Nicky Maynard had scored. Nicky Maynard pounced on a deflected shot in the box to lift the ball over Millwall keeper Colin Doyle and score with his very first touch in senior football.
However, less than 15 minutes later Crewe conceded another soft goal. Chris McCready got himself in a mess once again, and needs to learn how to defend. He followed his man 30 yards from goal, and as his opponent picked the ball up, McCready’s objective had to be not to let his man turn. But, of course, he allowed his man to turn him, neglected to make any sort of tackle, and in what he considers backing away, actually ran away from his opponent who found Ben May in the box who accurately looped a header over Stuart Tomlinson. Backing off can be effective if done correctly, but Chris McCready’s version of it is absurd, as he predicts where his opponent will run and merely backpedals a few yards in advance of his opponent.
Fortunately for Crewe, the remainder of the game didn’t involve a great deal of Chris McCready. Crewe replied instantaneously through Luke Varney who, having been slipped through by Michael O’Connor, kept his head to slide it past Colin Doyle. Michael O’Connor’s contribution was effective if unspectacular. The midfielder would perhaps have been more involved in central midfield, though he was involved in a few good moves. Nicky Maynard was finding space extremely well though Crewe were looking to exploit the space on the flanks instead.
After Eddie Johnson’s impressive display was cut short by a clumsy tackle from Zak Whitbread, Steve Jones entered the field to boos from some sections of the crowd. Everyone will have their own opinion on Jonah, though it was perhaps slightly harsh to boo a player for ultimately ensuring financial well being for his family. In his final 15 minutes for the club, Jonah did manage to add a fourth for Crewe as he slotted home accurately after good play from Luke Varney.
The last notable act of the game, however, was for a Crewe fan to run onto the pitch and after he didn’t receive the chase he perhaps desired from the men in yellow, he ambled his way over to the stewards rather unspectacularly. After the game, the players came out to applaud the fans, at which point Steve Jones received a more generous reception. Justin Cochrane was there to wave goodbye, whilst it was good to see Ben Williams well enough to come around the pitch.
Player Ratings
Stuart Tomlinson 5
A poor display from the charismatic keeper. His dramatic style almost gave away a penalty as he clumsily bundled into two Millwall players after coming for a cross which he would never be able to get. He couldn’t be blamed for May’s second goal, but his kicking was poor all afternoon too.
Paul Bignot 5
After an extremely dodgy start by Bignot he did recover slightly. His distribution from the back was inaccurate, his weak physique allowed Millwall to get the better of him on numerous occasions, as he was severely troubled by the pace of Marvin Williams.
Steve Foster 7
A good display from Foz, which will hopefully not be his last for the club. Foz started the season poorly, but the arrival of Magic Madjid has transformed Foz into a very good centre back.
Chris McCready 5
McCready was woeful for Millwall’s second, and was his usual self for the rest of the afternoon. He is just a body at the back, he doesn’t win much in the air, nor does he win tackles or interceptions. Huge amounts of work will be required if he is to make the most of his new one-year deal.
Billy Jones 8
Billy had a magnificient first half at left back, shutting off Millwall’s play down their right, as well as coming forward to place some precise passes and through balls. Dario moved Billy into the middle at half time, where although he was less influential on the ball, he kept the previously dominant Marvin Elliott out of the game.
David Vaughan 7.5
Vaughany made space for himself very well all afternoon, though perhaps lacked the necessary end product. Played on the right of midfield in order to be able to cut inside and shoot, Vaughany kept the ball well and spread play nicely, though never made an incisive impact.
Kenny Lunt 7
Lunt’s delivery into the box was fairly good, and he connected the play pretty well in the midfield. It was a decent performance from Lunt, and hopefully there will be many more to come in a Crewe shirt.
Lee Bell 7
Bell’s work rate was very good, and he added a degree of bite to Crewe’s midfield. He took responsibility and wanted the ball every minute that he was on the pitch as he looked to get Crewe moving. He was, however, slightly overpowered by the strong, athletic Marvin Elliott.
Luke Varney 7
A good goal and a good contribution to set up Jonah’s goal. However, Varney’s insufficient technique and footballing brain was exposed as his delivery was poor on occasion. He would have been able to beat his man to the byline repeatedly where he wouldn’t need good technique merely to cut it across the box, though he failed to realise this and his contribution was therefore limited.
Michael Higdon 5
Apart from his delightful flick for Eddie’s goal, it was a poor display from Higdon. His control let him down whilst he failed to complete the simple passes. Work required over the summer.
Eddie Johnson 7.5
A magnificient goal by Eddie was certainly the highlight of his performance. He did, however, link up well and get into more dangerous positions.
Sub: Nicky Maynard 7
After a sublime start, Maynard didn’t really get the service he wanted. Many of the balls were played at him in the air, though in fairness, he won a decent percentage of those thrown up to him. Maynard found space well though didn’t receive the ball at his feet when he demanded it.
Sub: Michael O’Connor 7
A good assist for Varney’s goal, though O’Connor should have done better when put through one-on-one.
Jonah looked dangerous when he came on and added an end product to his game – an aspect which has lacked on many an occasion this season.