New Year’s Day blues for Crewe Alexandra as Burton Albion hit four past rock-bottom Railwaymen

Burton Albion returned to League One action with a dominant 4-1 victory over Crewe Alexandra.

Following Wednesday night’s first away league win of the season at Morecambe, Crewe were hoping to make it back to back away wins with victory at the Pirelli Stadium against Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s Burton Albion on Saturday afternoon.

But David Artell’s side got off to the worst possible start. Following their first attack of the game, a loose pass allowed the hosts to counter-attack as Harry Chapman was put through down the left-hand side, he cut inside Billy Sass-Davies before calmly slotting the ball into the bottom corner to give the hosts the lead inside six minutes.

However, Crewe hit back after 19 minutes thanks to a stunning strike from Tom Lowery. The Alex number eight saw the ball fall to him 25 yards out from goal before unleashing a rocket into the top corner.

But that was as good as it got for the visitors.

Just six minutes later the Brewers reclaimed the lead in controversial circumstances. In the lead up to the goal, there were arguments between the Alex coaching staff and the fourth official, Simon Mather, regarding the awarding of a Burton throw.

It was that throw in that led to the host’s second goal of the game. A long throw into the box by Tom Hamer saw the ball flicked on by Chapman into the path of the returning John Brayford who scored from close range.

One thing the opening half didn’t lack was great goals – the third goal for the hosts saw a long ball find Kane Hemmings on the edge of the area, and just like Lowery he found the top corner with a venomous volley.

Even though Crewe had been very much in the game they found themselves 3-1 down going into the break. As they have done much of the season, they had a mountain to climb going into the second half.  To make it even harder, Alex manager Artell didn’t return for the second half having been sent off at half time.

The Railwaymen dominated the second half in terms of possession but it took until the 65th minute for their first goal-scoring opportunity. Mikael Mandron was put through on goal but his heavy touch allowed Brewers ‘keeper Ben Garratt to come out and gather the loose ball.

The second half petered out from there with very little for either side to shout about until injury time when Jebbison slotted home the hosts’ fourth to cap off a 4-1 victory.

Burton returned to action for the first time since December 11th with a comfortable win, whereas Crewe fall to another away defeat and they remain four points behind Lincoln City in 20th.

Another disappointing afternoon for the Railwaymen who now turn their attention to Tuesday’s Papa John’s Trophy tie against Rotherham United.

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