Match Report
Town fall to three-goal defeat in tough away day at Crewe
Bollington Town suffered a 3–0 defeat away at Crewe FC Hub on Saturday in the Premier Division. Despite showing early intent and creating chances throughout, Town were unable to convert and were punished by a clinical Crewe side who took their opportunities well.
Early Scare
Crewe thought they had an early lead, but the goal was correctly ruled out for offside — a let-off for Town in the opening minute.
Bolly Win Possession
Town won the ball back through a strong tackle and Joseph Coombs attempted an early cross. The resulting Ally Harrison corner came to nothing, but it was a positive start.
Harrison Tries His Luck
Ally Harrison let fly from distance, but his ambitious effort drifted off target.
Coombs Injury
Play was briefly halted as Joseph Coombs went down injured. He was unable to continue and was replaced by Ryan Hibbert — a blow for Town so early on.
Eastham Header Deflected
A shot towards goal was deflected by a Jake Eastham header, causing a moment of danger for Crewe.
Joyce Saves Free Kick
Crewe were awarded a free kick and tested Matthew Joyce, who was equal to the effort with a solid save.
Free Kick Won
Town were awarded a free kick after a heavy challenge on the shin — a sign of the physical nature of the contest.
Goal — Crewe FC
Crewe broke the deadlock. A cross from the right was met well and finished past Joyce. 1–0 to the hosts.
Corner Controversy
Town won a corner immediately after conceding but play was halted following a discrepancy in the box involving the Crewe goalkeeper.
Eastham Shot Off Target
Jake Eastham had a go from range but couldn't find the target — the chance going begging.
Gatward Booked
Beau Gatward was shown a yellow card for a mistimed challenge.
Late Pressure
Town pushed for an equaliser. A corner was unsuccessful before Beau Gatward's free kick also failed to trouble the Crewe goalkeeper.
Goal — Crewe FC
A hammer blow just before the break. Crewe doubled their lead through a well-struck shot that gave Joyce no chance. 2–0 at half-time — a scoreline that perhaps flattered the hosts given Town's effort and chances.
Stoppage
Play was halted briefly for an injury to a Crewe player, giving both sides a moment to regroup.
Gatward Free Kick Saved
Beau Gatward stepped up to strike a free kick on target, but the Crewe goalkeeper was equal to it with a good save. The best chance of the half so far for Town.
Substitutions
Town made a flurry of changes. Ryan Hibbert made way for Arjun Takiar (64'), Beau Gatward was replaced by Declan Hanks (65'), and Zach Gatward came on for George Richardson (67') as Town reshuffled in search of a route back.
Earith Shot Deflected
Alfie Earith got a shot away but it took a deflection, coming to nothing.
Final Change
Alfie Earith was replaced by Sam Glover as Town made their final substitution.
Joyce Saves Header
Crewe threatened again with a header towards goal, but Matthew Joyce was well-positioned to make the save and keep Town in touch.
Zach Gatward Shot Missed
Zach Gatward had a go but his effort missed the target — Town unable to find a consolation.
Goal — Crewe FC
Substitute Rory Gorton completed the scoring deep into stoppage time, making it 3–0 and putting the seal on a difficult afternoon for Town.
Despite showing early intent and creating chances, Town were punished by a clinical Crewe side who took their opportunities when they came.
Match Verdict
A frustrating afternoon for Bollington Town, who started with intent but were undone by goals either side of half-time. The early loss of Joseph Coombs to injury disrupted the shape and forced a reshuffle that the side never quite recovered from.
There were positives — Ally Harrison showed ambition going forward, Jake Eastham was willing to shoot on sight, Alfie Earith came very close with an effort that was ultimately deflected off goal, and Matthew Joyce pulled off good saves from both a free kick and a header — but the final ball and cutting edge were lacking when it mattered most.
The 45+2' goal just before half-time was the killer blow, turning a one-goal deficit into a mountain to climb. Rory Gorton's stoppage-time strike added gloss to the scoreline for a Crewe side who were clinical when it counted.
Team Lineups
Crewe FC
- Zachary Billinge
- Martin Blain
- Callum Chapman
- Ryan Hough
- Jordan Johnson
- Jack Marshall
- Jaymie Roberts
- James Smith
- Bailey Sherlock
- Samuel Taylor
- Conner Norbury
Substitutes
- Jordan Bennion
- James Cook
- Rory Gorton⚽ 90+2'
- Samuel Hadfield-Summerbee
- Joshua James Maris
Bollington Town
- Joshua Connolly
- Joseph CoombsSub 6'
- Alfie EarithSub 77'
- Jake Eastham
- Beau Gatward🟨 40'
- Ally Harrison-Virani
- Matthew Joyce
- Zak James Mousa
- Finn Manning
- Philip Milsom
- George RichardsonSub 67'
Substitutes
- Zach GatwardOn 67' 🟨
- Sam GloverOn 77'
- Declan HanksOn 65'
- Ryan HibbertOn 6'
- Arjun TakiarOn 64'
