Second half collapse is costly (From Warrington Guardian)

Second half collapse is costly

CREWE FC's disappointing season continued, crashing out of the League Cup with a 6-4 defeat at Bollington after extra time.

Goals from Darren Vickers and Gareth Brooks had them cruising at half time but two second half penalties levelled the tie before defensive frailties led to an exit.

It never looked possible when Vickers built on a great start, getting on the end of a Danny Massey cross on 15 minutes.

Superb passing saw them double the advantage around the half-hour mark, with Chris Hampshire and Massey linking up to give Brooks a simple tap-in.

Hampshire should have made it a comfortable 3-0 before the break, given time to chest the ball down and trapping it only to fire wide from close range.

Things began to go pear shaped five minutes into the second half when Alan Brown was penalised for a harsh looking handball and Bollington converted the resulting pen.

No complaints about their second when Steve Harding hauled down a player in the box and another spot kick was tucked away to level on 60 minutes.

The home side were on a roll and went in front on 74 minutes before their keeper bundled Brooks' corner into his own net, ensuring extra time.

Danny Massey cancelled out an early Bollington goal to make it 4-4 at the break but the home side got their noses in front with some sloppy defending five minutes from penalties.

Crewe threw everyone forward but got caught out by a big boot from the keeper that led to Bollington's winner.

Boss Ian O'Reilly couldn't believe the interval transformation.

"We probably played as well as we've played all season in the first half," he said.

"We were cruising but then we played as bad as we have in the second.

"It's not looking good.

"I thought we'd turned the corner by how we'd started but we just can't defend at the moment.

"Our reward is now a game against Barnton in the President's Cup."

A month long exodus from MCL Division One action has seen them fall into the drop zone.

"We're looking relegation fodder unless the lads can pull their socks up and get us out if it," he added.

They can start the comeback with Garswood at home, this Saturday, KO 2.15pm.