Emergency loan signing Max Stryjek was the penalty shoot-out hero as Crewe staged a brilliant play-off semi-final comeback to beat Doncaster.
Stryjek, drafted in from Wycombe due to injuries at Gresty Road, saved the decisive spot-kick from Hakeeb Adelakun to clinch a 4-3 shoot-out victory after he had also denied Zain Westbrooke.
The Railwaymen’s Courtney Baker-Richardson, Ryan Cooney, Lewis Leigh and Charlie Kirk, meanwhile, all converted for the visitors although Mickey Demetriou also saw his effort saved by Thimothee Lo-Tutala.
It meant successful attempts from home trio Joe Ironside, George Miller and Owen Bailey were of no consolation for Rovers, who had earlier seen a 2-0 first-leg advantage wiped out by Demetriou and a James Maxwell own goal, as Doncaster suffered their first defeat in 14 games since March 2.
Crewe had only mustered two goals in eight games going into the second leg but matched that tally within the opening 16 minutes to level the scores on aggregate.
First, centre-back Demetriou scored his 10th goal of the season after six minutes, meeting Joel Tabiner’s left-wing corner with a powerful downward header four yards from goal.
After home Lo-Tutala pushed a Chris Long effort behind for a corner, the ex-Blackpool forward then made a more telling contribution when he escaped the attentions of the Doncaster defence through the right channel and sent in a low cross that a sliding Maxwell could only put in his own net with Conor Thomas lurking behind him for a tap-in.
The nervous hosts did not manage a goal attempt of any description until the 38th minute when Richard Wood’s tame header from a Luke Molyneux corner failed to extend Stryjek in the away goal.
It was quickly followed by another headed effort – this time requiring a smarter save from Stryjek – as Tommy Rowe met Jamie Sterry’s centre and Adelakun also drove narrowly over from the edge of the box as Grant McCann’s men finished the half strongly.
Wood went on to go close with a header from Adelakun’s left-wing cross just past the hour mark with Rovers buoyed on by a raucous sell-out home crowd.
Loud penalty appeals were turned down, though, when substitute Kyle Hurst went down in the box following a challenge by Railwaymen replacement Matus Holicek.
Rio Adebisi also made a vital intervention to divert Molyneux’s devilish delivery over his own crossbar.
A rare second-half visitors attack, meanwhile, saw Elliott Nevitt fire wide of the near post before Molyneux dragged the last attempt of regulation time wide from 20 yards.
Molyneux continued to torment and, in the first half of extra time, saw Stryjek push his angled drive onto the outside of his near post, before the visiting keeper produced heroics in the penalty shoot-out.
Jack Grealish Man CityPep Guardiola has left Jack Grealish out of Man City's squad for their final day tilt against Fulham, fuelling speculation over the winger's future. Manchester United FC v Manchester City FC - Premier LeagueWHAT HAPPENED?Grealish is scheduled for talks with the club this summer, but his omission from their crucial trip to Craven Cottage is the latest sign his future likely li...
Manchester United v Fulham - Emirates FA Cup Fifth RoundVictor Lindelof's time at Manchester United is drawing to a close as the Swedish international will leave once his contract expires.WHAT HAPPENED?Fabrizio Romano has reported that a final decision was made following a meeting this week between the club’s hierarchy and the player, marking the end of an eight-year stint at Old Trafford. D...
🔊 Can Aston Villa qualify for the Champions League for the second consecutive season? Their chances look promising, especially with Manchester United unfortunately becoming one of the main point donors in the Premier League. However, a win at Old Trafford won't be enough. They need one of the top three to drop points. Regardless, the visitors will be playing solely for the win, making the favorite...
🔊 Can Newcastle secure a top-five finish in the English Premier League? Currently sitting fourth, they are only ahead of Chelsea and Aston Villa on goal difference. This makes a win at St. James' Park crucial for the Magpies. Everton might not be in contention for anything significant, but they remain a tricky opponent. We'll explore various scenarios to make an insightful prediction. Head-to-Head...
🔊 Will Manchester City secure a spot in the Champions League by the end of the Premier League season? A victory would guarantee it. However, under certain scenarios, a draw or even a loss might suffice. Fulham, stuck in mid-table, aren't contending for anything significant. With a lack of motivation, they appear as the underdogs in this clash at London's Craven Cottage. Nonetheless, we will explor...
🔊 Can Ipswich Town wrap up their stay in the English Premier League with a victory? They're up against West Ham, a team with a decent squad but plenty of on-field issues. This gives the "Tractor Boys" a chance to delight the crowd at Portman Road, even though they aren't the favorites. We'll explore various scenarios to make a well-founded prediction.Head-to-Head📊 The only head-to-head encounter b...
🔊 Will the final round of the English Premier League serve as a dress rehearsal for the Community Shield? These very teams will compete for the trophy in August. It's a familiar scenario for Liverpool, but not so for Crystal Palace, who will make their debut in such a match. However, both teams are unlikely to be looking that far ahead, as their lineups are bound to change. More likely, players fr...
🔊 How will Leicester look without their legend, Jamie Vardy? The team is likely to undergo some restructuring, but that's a challenge for next season when the Foxes will be competing in the Championship. Bournemouth, on the other hand, will remain in the Premier League, though their squad could see significant changes due to increased demand for their players. In this upcoming clash, neither team ...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Enzo Maresca now The Arsenal of Italy When you see it… Arteta really thinks this. The difference The last time Man United won a European Trophy was when they played against… Andre Onana! James Maddison had a big night Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, originaltrollfootball, FootballLaughss, PL__OOC...
Kyle Walker's decline led to him being cast aside by Pep Guardiola, before he joined AC Milan in January. Since then, it has been Matheus Nunes and Rico Lewis that have operated at right-back, but Man City are keen for a specialist to be brought in during the summer. And they have now set their sights on one of the Premier League's brightest talents.Man City identify Tino Livramento as leading rig...
- 1 Man City withdraw and Liverpool could steal
- 2 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 3 Man City target right-back Tino Livramento
- 4 Liverpool vs Crystal Palace Prediction 25 May 2025
- 5 Man United man makes stunning claim
- 6 Tottenham vs Manchester United Prediction 22 May 2025
- 7 Goodbye Jack Grealish?! Pep Guardiola axes Man City star from squad for crucial Fulham clash as transfer talk continues to swirl
- 8 Eberechi Eze is at it again as he helps Crystal Palace to victory against Wolves
- 9 Liverpool considering transfer swoop
- 10 Manchester United vs Aston Villa Prediction 25 May 2025