Crewe Alexandria surprisingly lost at home on Saturday to Cheltenham after going ahead in the game. The mid-table side had been looking to grab a win as they looked to make a late run towards the playoff spots but came unstuck against a plucky Cheltenham outfit.
It is always said that the worst time to concede a goal is just before halftime Crewe were guilty of this as they allowed Cheltenham to grab an unlikely equalizer in first-half stoppage time. Kevin Dawson was able to capitalize from some lax defending in the box to slot home from 15 yards. The goal was controversial as there was a handball incident in the buildup to the equalizer.
The second half began with Crewe on top until the 54th minute when Ray who had earlier been booked in the first half received his marching orders for a wild lunge on Tillson. Buoyed by the extra man advantage Cheltenham began to turn the screw on their opponents with wave after wave of attack.
Crewe eventually cracked with 16 minutes left to play as substitute Walters got to the end of a Chris Hussey’s cross to head his team ahead in the match. Star forward Varney put further gloss to the result after finishing a wonderfully crafted counter attack for his 14th strike of the season.
Following the defeat Crewe remain in 13th position eight points behind the final playoff place. It looks like the club would have to settle for a mid-table position this season.