Nantwich Town 2
Crewe Alexandra 1 (AET)
Cheshire Senior Cup (2nd Round)

Match Report

A late extra-time winner by Matt Bell fired Nantwich Town into the Cheshire Senior Cup semi-finals in a dramatic victory over League Two neighbours Crewe Alexandra.

Bell fizzed a low shot into the corner in the 115th minute to warm the Dabbers supporters on a freezing night at the Weaver Stadium.

It completed a fine comeback for the men in green who had trailed early on to their higher league opponents.

Crewe had taken the lead on 31 minutes through youngster Daniel Barlaser, who was played in by Lewis Reilly to finish smartly past Boney in the Nantwich goal.

That was harsh on the Dabbers who had several decent chances, and they were deservedly level a few minutes later.

David Forbes controlled a long goal kick expertly, before squaring to the unmarked Harry Clayton who coolly lobbed Alex keeper Dave Richards to make it 1-1.

Joe Lynch and Reilly went close for Crewe before the break, but Nantwich also had chances, Caspar Hughes’ rasping volley narrowly missing the target.

In the second half, Reilly headed home on 55 minutes but it was ruled out for offside.

Toby Mullarkey should have scored for Nantwich on 73 minutes when he latched on to Sean Cooke’s fine cross but could only head wide.

In extra-time, the players tired on both sides and the game slowed down.

Hughes had another close effort for Nantwich, who looked the stronger of the teams. Moments later, Richards could only palm Clayton’s shot but Jamie Morgan fired the rebound over the bar.

The signs were ominous, though, and with just five minutes left before a penalty shoot-out, Nantwich netted their dramatic winner.

Bell collected a loose ball on the edge of the Crewe box and unleashed a low hard drive (pictured) into the corner, giving Richards no chance.

Nantwich saw out the final few minutes with no problems to register a deserved victory

Match report written by the Nantwich News