After our cancelled fixture last weekend, we were back on the road this afternoon with Crewe Corinthians the destination.

Having played our opposition twice already this season with one loss and one draw, we knew we were in for a tough test on a rainy Saturday afternoon in Crewe.

Whitegate almost got off to the perfect start inside the opening couple of minutes as Sam Eves forced the goalkeeper into a sharp save. It didn’t take long before the deadlock was broken. Jack Johnson had time and space before an exquisite effort lobbed the keeper from just inside the opposition half to give the side in black and white an early lead. One thing you can count on in games between Crewe and Whitegate are goals and lots of them.

The hosts levelled the game minutes later with their first meaningful attack. Their striker found space in the box to lash home at the near post. The goalkeeper could of done better but he redeemed himself later in the game.

After leading one minute, Whitegate quickly found themselves behind. A long ball was flicked on and the Crewe midfielder was in on goal. The initial effort on goal was well saved but the ball fell back to the attacker who was able to slot it into an empty net.

Crewe took control of the game and were able to find two quick fire goals giving the home side a 4-1 lead. Whitegate hit back instantly as Sam Elwood found the bottom corner with a sweet strike from the edge of the box, reducing the deficit to 2 before the break.

The second half was dominated by the visitors. An early goal pulled Whitegate right back into the game. Eves rose highest from a corner to head the ball down towards Lewis Williams who headed home.

As Whitegate pushed on in pursuit of an equaliser, it left space for Crewe on the counter attack. Firstly a long ranged deflected effort forced goalkeeper Boulter-Ashcroft into a strong save in the bottom corner. He was then forced into action again with a reflex save tipping the ball onto the bar from a close range header.

The away side did create chances of their own. Danny Vickers and Sam Eves went close with well driven shots but again the keeper was equal to it, pushing the ball out for a corner.

A credit to both Robbie Allen and Adam Harvey in the final 20 minutes who didn’t allow the Crewe strikers any time on the ball. Harvey was on hand to intercept a cross which was almost certainly going to be a goal with the winger waiting for a tap in at the far post.

Entering the final 10 minutes and Whitegate had Crewe penned into their own half. Chances came and went for the visitors but unfortunately the hosts were able to hold on for a 4-3 victory.

A very strong second half performance from Whitegate pleased manager Gary Yeo who felt his side were unlucky not to get something from the game.

A special mention to Robbie Allen who has been impressive in defence since the restart.