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It was a season of inconsistency for Crewe Alexandra who finished 12th in League One, after they finished ‘Runners-Up’ at the end of the curtailed 2019/20 League Two season.
The Railwaymen spent much of the season floating around midtable between the upper stages and the Play-Off places but never really looked likely to threaten the promotion picture.
While some will be disappointed that Crewe did not finish with a push for a Play-Off spot, maintaining their League One status is not a bad overall campaign for a newly-promoted side.
Five key games
Doncaster 1-2 Crewe Alexandra
The Railwaymen travelled to the Keepmoat Stadium for what was their third away trip of the campaign, and with the Dons highflying (13 points from the opening six games) the Alex were tipped for a defeat.
Crewe took the lead just before the half hour mark, with thanks to a finely crafted goal finished off by Charlie Kirk but the Yorkshiremen immediately replied to draw the scores level at the break.
Meanwhile, a resolute second half display from the Reds meant they returned to South Cheshire with all three points. Courtesy of a superbly taken freekick from Harry Pickering to secure the win in South Yorkshire.
Ipswich 1-0 Crewe Alexandra
Continuing their tough run of fixtures, David Artell’s side made the trip to Portman Road in an encounter that they dominated in all areas of the pitch, only to be left bewildered at the fact they left Suffolk with nothing.
Tom Lowery had the best opportunity of a series of chances, but he sliced his volleyed attempt into the hands of the Ipswich number one from six yards. A nightmare moment for the midfield magician – ironic for the 31st October.
This match highlighted the attacking frailties which would go on to plague the season for the Northwest club.
Crewe Alexandra 0-1 Gillingham
Defeat away to the Tractor Boys optimised the fact that stats don’t show the real story of a football match and it was the same story in the Alex’s next game at home to Gillingham.
The Gills arrived at Gresty Road on the back of five successive league defeats, so some would’ve said there was no better time to put the Ipswich defeat behind them and bounce back with a win.
Despite statistics that rectified a game of ‘lads vs dads’ it was a game that once again the Reds rued their missed chances; decisiveness in front of goal was the key to the three points.
Crewe Alexandra 2-0 Peterborough United
After a two-week break from league action the Alex returned to Gresty Road, as they welcomed table toppers Peterborough United – highest league scorers and unbeaten in eight.
Two first half goals from Pickering and Kirk assured the Railwaymen all three points in a professional performance, to put a halt to Darren Ferguson’s side’s goal scoring hot streak.
It was a game which raised a few eyebrows among supporters and pundits to which Crewe were so-called ‘dark-horses’ for a Play-Off position come the end of the season. But a lack of consistency across the season curtailed the Alex’s hopes of a spot in the top six.
Rochdale United 3-3 Crewe Alexandra
Goals from Owen Dale and a brace from Oli Finney put the Alex in so called ‘dreamland’ after just 35 minutes, providing iFollow viewers with a true reflection of counter attacking football.
Unbeaten in five and aided by a commanding 3-0 lead, most would’ve thought that the Railwaymen would continue their unbeaten run with a win. But for a lackadaisical second half performance which saw the Dale turn around a three-goal deficit.
A tie that rather echoed the Railwaymen’s season as they lacked consistency in performances.
Key transfers and their impact
Mikael Mandron – With Chris Porter the only real out-and-out striker to lead the line on the Reds return to League One, it was felt that a new addition would be needed in attack. Since the Frenchmen’s arrival he has flourished, scoring a career best of 12 league goals and four assists which earnt him a new one year extension.
Omar Beckles – Since his arrival in the summer, he tended to be a consistent starter for David Artell, before falling to the bench in the final few weeks – perhaps due to contract talks stalling. His performances tended to reflect his experience but was always guilty of an error or two. Most likely the reason why one fan posted on his social media: “Omar Beckles has gone from a Rolls-Royce to a Dacia Duster in a matter of months.”
Donervon Daniels – A season curtailed with injury woes for the summer signing, which is no shock to the versatile defender having suffered before. Though, when the experienced defender took his place in the side, he certainly showed his defensive and attacking abilities.
Nathan Wood – In January, Wood arrived on loan from Middlesbrough at a time where his position was inundated with a wealth of experience. It’s to his immeasurable credit that the 18-year-old was able to force his way into the starting XI. Playing like someone with many more years of experience. Both physically and technically.
Key player(s)
Owen Dale – An impressive year for a wonderful player, possessing skill, pace, and power he’s been a nightmare for opposition defences all season. The winger’s performances were recognised throughout the season having been awarded Sky Bet League One Player of the Month for December, as well as: ‘Fans Player of the Season’, Players’ Players of the Season, ‘Goal of the Season’ and ‘Railwaymen Podcast Player of the Season’.
Tom Lowery – A consistent performer whenever he pulls on the shirt and occupying the heart of the midfield, he has become a dependable proposition in a young Alex side. The midfield maestro has played a key role, he’s been someone the squad could rely upon to create something out of nothing. Whereby his performances were recognised, in which he picked up the ‘Fans Player of the Season Runner Up’.
Oliver Finney – A shortened season for the Stoke born midfielder after suffering a broken leg away to Shrewsbury Town in February. It was an unfortunate blow to a player who appeared to be enjoying his football – contributing seven goals and two assists.
Luke Offord – Possibly a forgotten star of the squad this season, at 21 years of age he led the backline in confidence – continuing from where he left off in League Two. But like Finney the youngster’s season was cut short with a stage three hamstring tare.
Season verdict
Pundits, fans and the majority of any other football enthusiasts tipped Crewe for relegation at the beginning of the season, but a top half finish for the Railwaymen perhaps came as a bit of a surprise. Overall, a 12th placed finish and inconsistent performances across the 46 league games is a true reflection of the Railwaymen’s season. But in response to expectations, many would say the Reds overachieved on their return to League One.
Hopes for next season
Crewe’s 2021/22 campaign ambitions remain unpredictable with the ‘golden generation’ of academy products coming to an end. With the likes of Charlie Kirk, Ryan Wintle and Tom Lowery destined for a future higher up the pyramid, the summer of 2021 could possibly be the biggest transfer window in Crewe Alexandra’s history.
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