Luke Offord leads Crewe to victory

An excellent defensive performance from The Alex gave 10-man Crewe a hard-fought 1-0 away win against Hartlepool United.

Crewe Alexandra began their Carabao Cup campaign with a tough away trip to Hartlepool on Tuesday night. Following a draw at home to Cheltenham Town in the first league game. The Alex were looking for their first win of the season.

What was already a difficult task, was made even harder for David Artell’s side inside 12 minutes. Youngster Billy Sass-Davies misjudged the bounce of the ball allowing Tyler Burey to take advantage, the Crewe man-hauled down Burey outside the area and as a result was given his marching orders by referee Thomas Bramall, leaving Crewe to play the remaining 78 minutes with 10 men.

A resolute defensive display followed with brilliant performances from Centre backs Luke Offord and Donervon Daniels. After reaching half-time goalless, Crewe were able to create a big chance of their own in the 50th minute.

Mikael Mandron controlled the pass down the line before the ball found Owen Dale inside the box, his effort was well saved by Jonny Mitchell but the rebound fell nicely to Callum Ainley who made no mistake dispatching the rebound to send the travelling Crewe fans wild.

The remaining 40 minutes saw the home side continue to push for an equaliser but time and time again Offord and Daniels were in the right place to clear the danger. The Alex were able to see the game out to book their spot in the second round of the Carabao Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 win.

The standout performance for Crewe was the man who took the captain’s armband on the night, Luke Offord. Having been at the club since he was seven it was a special moment leading the club out as captain.

He said: “It felt good, the first time I have had it on with Luke Murphy on the bench. It was a good honour to have it!”

It is fair to say Luke has come a long way in a short amount of time since I was playing alongside him in midfield at Weaverham High School. A player who controlled games in midfield at a young age now sees himself as one of the leaders in the Crewe side playing at Centre back.

His performance last night showed why he is held in such high regard by Alex fans. After going a man down so early in the game many sides could have collapsed under the pressure, but the challenge it provided spurred on the Crewe side and Offord in particular.

Having been forced to defend deep in their own half for the majority of the game, on the hour mark, Offord was able to make a rare run forward for a corner. He saw his headed effort come close to doubling the visitors lead, but a sharp save from Mitchell denied the defender.

Time and time again he was in the right position at the right time in his own box to clear the danger. None more important than in the 84th minute. With the backs to the wall and being forced to defend cross after cross, Crewe found themselves with an opportunity to counter-attack, but with the pass misplaced, they were caught downfield, leaving themselves vulnerable at the back.

With three attackers against Offord and Daniels in the middle Burey’s cross looked destined to find a teammate but at the last second, the 21-year-old was able to get the faintest of touches on the cross to clear the danger.

Offord’s defensive clearance was then topped by Daniels in stoppage time. With just seconds left another cross looked to have been put on a plate for a tap in at the back post, but an outstanding diving effort from Daniels headed the ball clear. A strong defensive partnership that Crewe fans will want to continue for the rest of the season.

In the post-match press conference, Crewe’s standout performer was pleased with how his side performed.

He said: “It was a very tough evening, going down to 10 men inside 12 minutes was obviously going to be tough on the legs, but we dug in and defended the box well and got the win most importantly.”

Crewe will now make another long trip as they travel to Fratton Park to take on Portsmouth in the league on Saturday. David Artell’s side will have to replicate last night’s defensive performance if they are to leave with any points against one of the favourites for promotion.

Follow us on Twitter @ProstInt