In the first league game of the new season Whitegate flew out of the blocks and were off to the perfect start inside the opening 2 minutes when Chris Jump found Ben Purdue with an delightful through ball. Ben kept his calm and slotted the ball past the keeper into the corner to open the scoring. The Second goal followed shortly after when winger Danny Vickers latched onto a Craig Nicholson cross finishing off an excellent Whitegate move and doubling their lead inside 5 minutes.

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The chances for the away side didn't stop their with Kev Beresford hitting the outside of the post and Purdue going close to grab his second of the game. Whitegate were left to rue the missed chances as Crewe managed to get a foothold in the game and the away side hit back with 2 goals of their own in as many minutes to level the scores on the 20 minute mark. Whitegate almost regained the lead minutes later when a Nicholson header hit the outside of the post following a corner. 

 

Crewe did take the lead in the 25th minute following a defensive error to capitalise on the mistake was Crewe's striker for his third of the game. With Crewe in full control of the game they extended their lead further from a set piece as their striker lost his marker and rose highest to head home following a set piece.

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Crewe were in again with their striker Rob Hancock scoring another 3 goals in the final 10 minutes  before half time leaving him with 6 goals and Crewe with a 6-2 lead at the break. 

 

Whitegate started the second half on top but were caught on the counter attack and Crewe took full advantage scoring another.

 

The set back didn’t affect Whitegate as they continued to control the second half creating opportunity after opportunity. The pressure finally told when Mitchell Bailey was brought down after a brilliant solo run. Ben Purdue stepped up to take the penalty and made no mistake sending the keeper the wrong way. 

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Minutes later, Purdue grabbed his hat-trick beating the keeper down low at his near post but it wasn’t enough as Crewe held on for a 7-4 victory.  

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A strong start from Whitegate but a clinical performance from Crewe’s striker put them in control. Whitegate dominated the second half with Ben Purdue grabbing his hat-trick to cap off a great individual performance. A lot of positives from the game heading into the season. ⚫️⚪️