A Luke Murphy stunner secures Crewe’s first away win of the season

David Artell’s Crewe Alexandra secure their first away win in the league this season with a second-half comeback victory over Morecambe thanks to goals from Chris Porter and Luke Murphy.

Crewe’s first outing since the 2-0 home defeat to Sheffield Wednesday on December 11th saw a trip to the Mazuma Stadium to take on fellow strugglers Morecambe in a huge game at the bottom of the League One table. With the sides coming into the game in 21st and 24th respectively, the three points for either side would be a massive boost in their hopes of avoiding relegation at the end of the season.

After a bright start from the Railwaymen, the hosts got better as the half went on. Jonah Ayunga gave Crewe an early warning as he forced Dave Richards into a sharp save down low, and just past the half-hour, the Shrimps took the lead.

Hard work from Jonathan Obika saw him outmuscle Zac Williams before his cross met the onrushing Greg Leigh, whose header found the bottom corner to give Morecambe the lead at the break.

Just like the first half, the Alex came out firing, but this time they were able to take advantage of their possession. Great work from Tom Lowery saw him beat his man before finding Porter in the middle who headed home from close range.

But the best was yet to come from a Crewe perspective. A cross into the box was headed out to the edge of the area towards Alex captain Murphy.

He controlled the high ball on his chest before unleashing a stunning volleyed effort into the top corner, leaving Kyle Letheren in the Morecambe goal with no chance. Cue the scenes from the travelling Alex fans who had made the 188-mile journey.

Murphy’s screamer was a goal that deserved to win any game, and thankfully for David Artell, his side dug in to secure their first away win of the season. It was a huge three points for Crewe that moves them off the bottom of the League One table and up to 22nd, just two points behind the Shrimps in 21st.

After Crewe fans received their Christmas present four days late this year, they will be hoping they have an excellent New Year’s Day as they travel to Burton Albion on January 1st in the hope of securing back-to-back away wins.

Follow us on Twitter @ProstInt