Donaldson leaves it late to save point for Alex (From Crewe Guardian)

Donaldson leaves it late to save point for Alex

2:41pm Thursday 18th March 2010

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Torquay 1 Crewe Alexandra 1

DARIO Gradi conceded his play-off hopes were all but gone after Saturday’s draw at struggling Torquay.

Clayton Donaldson’s 85th-minute leveller saved the day shortly after Shaun Miller skied a late penalty.

For the rest of this campaign it’s all about momentum and the future “We have gone on a little run but have drawn rather than won and the play offs don’t look a realistic possibility now,” explained Gradi.

“It’s not impossible but there is no evidence of us going on an outstanding run.

“The aim is to finish as high as we can and to build a team here capable of performing much better next season.

“We are doing that and there is a good nucleus here.”

Consistency remains a major problem and Crewe were well below par before a successful late flurry at Plainmoor.

Player-of-the-season Ashley Westwood was sorely missed while on-loan Bolton man Chris Stokes made his debut for Matt Tootle just 24 hours after signing a short-term deal.

Calvin Zola also made his return, far earlier than expected after Byron Moore hobbled off through Lathaniel Rowe-Turner’s disgraceful 12th-minute tackle.

Lenient officiating has hindered Crewe more than once recently but they were still second best as home strikers Elliott Benyon and Scott Rendell dictated affairs.

Miller wasted their only real chance of the first half, firing straight into the arms of Scott Bevan after John Brayford’s impressive run.

Rendell eventually made the breakthrough, benefiting from Chris Zebroski’s excellent work and turning to finish on 38 minutes.

Gradi’s decision to replace sub Zola midway through the second half drew plenty of fury from a decent away following.

But Luke Murphy’s introduction allowed in-form Donaldson back into the middle and both he and Miller were a real force for the remainder.

Donaldson chipped an effort just wide of the upright while his strike partner forced Bevan into a cracking save on the half volley.

Miller looked to have earned Alex a point after his surging run was ended by a poor challenge from Ellis only for disaster to strike from the spot.

However, he kept his composure to play a huge part in the leveller, producing a cheeky back-flick to tee up Donaldson who buried the ball into the bottom corner.

Murphy almost snatched all three points but his drive skimmed the post as Torquay held on.

“I was surprised our supporters were that united against me taking Calvin off,” added Gradi.

“But he was finding it very difficult to get hold of the ball at all and I have to say his coming off coincided with us having the best spell of the game.

“Perhaps I got that right.

“It paid dividends and really we should have won the game if we’d scored the penalty.

“I was surprised when Shaun missed; he scores them for fun in training.

“But I’m sure if we get another one, he’ll be up for it and still remains the most likely candidate.”

Crewe: Phillips, Brayford, Stokes, O’Donnell, Mitchel-King, Bailey, Schumacher (Walton 78mins), Moore (Zola 9mins, Murphy 64mins), Grant, Donaldson, Miller. Subs not used: Legzdins, Tootle, Worley, Gardner.

Attendance – 2,507.

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