Early season six-pointer between Crewe Alexandra and Doncaster Rovers ends in a 1-1 draw

Bottom of the League One table Crewe Alexandra welcomed second from bottom Doncaster Rovers to the Mornflake Stadium in what was called a relegation six-pointer prior to the game.

The Alex had only won once in their previous 15 league games with the win coming against Burton Albion back in September.

Doncaster, on the other hand, had tasted victory on three occasions with victories over Morecambe, MK Dons and Cheltenham Town.

Having conceded 56 league goals between them so far this season, many would have expected plenty of goals in the game, but in fact, it was a very cagey opening half an hour that lacked a creative spark from either side.

It was a succession of corners that saw Crewe’s Chris Porter break the deadlock. Wales international Billy Sass-Davies was able to retrieve a Tommy Lowery cross that looked certain to be heading out and provided the forward with a simple headed finish from close range.

In added time of the first half, Doncaster pulled themselves level with virtually the last kick of the half. Rovers full-back Joseph Olowu latched onto a curling cross from Ro-Shaun Williams to level the scores.

The second half saw both sides have chances to win the game. On the hour mark, Rovers caught Crewe on the counterattack.

A sublime double save from David Richards denied Tiago Cukur from putting the visitors in the lead. A save that proved to be crucial in keeping his side on level terms.

As the clock ticked closer to the 90-minute mark, Porter had a chance to win the game, but his effort went straight at the goalkeeper.

On reflection of the game, a draw was a fair result, but a point for either side doesn’t help them in their battle at the bottom.

What does the result mean for the Alex? Well, a draw in a game that was called ‘a must win’ by manager David Artell sees his side remain at the bottom of the League One table with just nine points from 16 games.

Having lost a number of players at the start of the season to League One and Championship clubs, it was always going to be a tough season for the Railwaymen with the small budget they are on.

However, their start to the season has left them rooted to the bottom of the table and a number of fans have started to question whether Artell is the right man to take the team forward. For those wanting to see a new manager come in, who is available that could take the team forward?

This weekend, Crewe host League Two Swindon Town in the First Round of the FA Cup. The welcomed distraction may just be what Artell’s side needs with a trip to Bolton coming up.

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