Alex need a miracle (From This Is Cheshire)

Alex need a miracle

3:42pm Thursday 11th March 2010 in

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Crewe Alexandra 2 Barnet 2

IT isn’t over until it’s over.

But Crewe would need a miraculous run of results to extend interest beyond May 8 after Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Barnet.

Another disappointing performance at home effectively ended any lingering play-offs hopes.

Clayton Donaldson’s double spared the Alex major embarrassment as they failed against struggling Barnet.

The recalled striker fired them into an early lead but thoughts of a rout were quickly dispelled through yet more blunders at the back.

Donaldson denied the visitors with an 82nd-minute leveller however a point just didn’t cut it with the majority of a disgruntled Gresty Road faithful.

“It was a great start to the game and Clayton took his first goal really well,” explained boss Dario Gradi.

“We didn’t play too well in the first half and we got caught in possession a lot.

“We played better in the second half.

“It’s not easy to play on that pitch but I’m not blaming that, we both had to play on it.”

Back in the side for Byron Moore, Donaldson quickly justified his inclusion with a 13th minute opener.

Shaun Miller released him down the middle and after outpacing centre-half Gary Breen, he placed his finish into the far bottom corner.

Crewe looked prime to stick the boot in but inexplicably lost all momentum almost instantly.

Micah Hyde went close before John O’Flynn netted a stunner for 1-1 on 23 minutes.

Simon Walton surrendered possession and Harry Worley slipped, allowing the Irish striker to cut in from the right and find the top corner with a curling drive.

Things went from bad to worse when Crewe failed to clear their lines and Matt Lockwood’s deflected shot sailed past Steve Phillips six minutes later.

Both Walton and Miller were wayward in response as the hosts went into the break on a major low.

Ashley Westwood inspired some second-half improvement, half-volleying against the post before testing keeper Jake Cole from free kicks.

Hyde was arguably lucky to remain on the pitch after upending both Miller and Moore but the stopper pushed Westwood’s first attempt around the post before seeing a second sail just wide.

However, it was third time unlucky for veteran Hyde when he flattened Joel Grant on the edge of the box.

Clever stuff, Westwood simply rolled the ball to Grant who in turn found Donaldson for a close-range tap in.

Again, you expected Barnet to crumble but they finished the stronger with Phillips producing a fine save to deny Albert Adomah at the death.

“We have continued that habit of getting a late goal and I’m glad they didn’t get a third,” added Gradi.

“It would have been cruel for us to have lost in the last few minutes.

“The second goal, I can’t take credit for.

“We practise that in training but haven’t for a while.

“I told Westy to decide what he wanted to do and it paid off.

“I think it took everyone by surprise, including me.”

Crewe: Phillips, Brayford, Tootle, Worley, O’Donnell, Westwood, Walton (Moore 67), Bailey, Grant (Murphy 86), Donaldson, Miller. Subs not used: Legzdins, Schumacher, Mitchel-King, Martin, Gardner.

Attendance – 3,551.