Cruel deflection KO's Crewe FC (From Warrington Guardian)

Cruel deflection KO's Crewe FC

CREWE FC crashed out of the Division Two Challenge Cup at the hands of promotion rivals Woodley Sports Reserves at the weekend.

It was heartbreak for Crewe as Woodley progressed to the semi-finals thanks to a deflected free-kick just five minutes from time last Saturday.

With both sides level on points in the chase for the MCL Division Two championship, this latest encounter was as tight as you would expect, particularly after the teams had drawn 2-2 just a week earlier.

Steve Parker led the Crewe charge early on and forced the Woodley goalkeeper into a good save, and at the other end, Woodley brought a good stop out of Steve Harding with their first real chance.

Another top save from the Woodley keeper denied Jimmy Costigan as Crewe forced the play, but the game was goalless at the half-time interval.

And heartbreak was to follow as Woodley hit a late winner from a controversial free-kick, which deflected off the wall to leave Steve Harding with no chance.

Crewe boss Ian O'Reilly said: "We were disappointed to go out because we wanted to do well in the cup.

"We made three or four changes to give lads a game, but we weren't taking it lightly.

"People say it will do us good but I don't believe in that."

Crewe's attention will now turn to their campaign for promotion to MCL Division One.

O'Reilly's men are still the team to catch as they lead Division Two on goal difference to Woodley.

Whitchurch Alport visit the table-toppers this Saturday, kick-off 3pm, in another local derby.

Crewe hope to have John Dawson in the squad after injury.

"I used to manage them and it's a local derby so they will be up for it," O'Reilly said.

"We beat them 3-0 at their place early doors with three superb goals, but this will be a tough old game.

"Everyone wants to knock you off when you're top, but if we concentrate on ourselves we feel confident we can go up."