Crewe Alexandra 2 Rochdale 2 (From Crewe Guardian)

Crewe Alexandra 2 Rochdale 2

12:25pm Monday 28th December 2009

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DARIO Gradi set his sights on the play-offs after a Christmas cracker against league leaders Rochdale.

Youngsters Ashley Westwood and Matt Tootle were on target as Crewe proved more than a match for the best side in League Two.

It could have been three points as the hosts dominated the first-half only to see yet more chances go begging.

But they’ll take a lot of confidence from living with Rochdale in a hi-octane second period – fighting back twice for a share of the spoils.

“I don’t remember ever seeing a game of such high quality in this league,” expressed Gradi.

“Some of the football was wonderful to watch and I’m sure the supporters would have enjoyed it.

“To come back twice like that is super and I think it will give the players belief that they can compete with the best in this division.

“The play-offs should be a reality for us now and that is what they will strive for.”

Thankfully the game went ahead after a morning inspection – guaranteeing Crewe a decent gate boosted by well over 1,000 travelling supporters.

Although Clayton Donaldson’s third-minute strike was ruled out for offside against Cavlin Zola, the Alex looked prime for an upset.

Proving a real handful, Donaldson forced a fine save out of Tom Heaton before Dale finally emerged as a force.

Jason Kennedy tested stopper Steve Phillips before leading scorer Chris Dagnell blew a real sitter with the goal gapping.

Alex responded to boss the remainder of the half, Joel Grant ending a fine run with a drive marginally beyond Heaton’s far post.

Zola also went so close, heading his strike partner’s square ball a foot wide of the far corner, before his penalty appeals were waved after being tripped by Nathan Stanton.

Despite clear ability, there was always a mistake in the Dale defence and when Grant intercepted Tom Kennedy’s pass – Donaldson should have made them pay.

He drew Heaton but put a glorious chance across the face of goal.

Typically, all the good work was in doubt when Craig Dawson punished poor positioning on a 53rd-minute corner.

Rather than sink, Crewe responded with gusto and sustained pressure paid off with less than 20 minutes left on the clock.

Heaton palmed away Grant’s cross and although Dawson cleared, Westwood raced forward and let fly to blast the loose ball into the bottom corner for 1-1.

Sub Kallum Higginbotham replied with his own 25-yard blockbuster out of nothing to restore Dale’s lead just three minutes later.

Cruel stuff but Crewe raised the bar once more as Heaton could only parry Donaldson’s cross-cum-shot on 77 minutes.

Phillips was up to O’Grady’s drive on the turn while Luke Murphy almost produced what would have been a well-deserved winner.

“We’re getting better with our defending,” added Gradi.

“I thought the two centre-halves were excellent.

“I don’t remember them being distressed and they always seemed in control of the situation.”

Crewe: Phillips, Brayford, Tootle, O'Donnell, Mitchel-King, Murphy, Westwood, Walton, Grant (Moore 80mins), Zola, Donaldson. Subs not used: Legzdins, Billy Jones, Miller, Shelley, Worley, Schumacher.

Attendance: 5,563.

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