Crewe’s impressive 2-0 win over rivals Notts County cheered up boss Lee Bell who watched from the stands at Gresty Road as his side moved up to second in the League Two table.
Shilow Tracey’s solo effort just before the break enabled the Railwaymen to take control of the clash and Bell got a good view from up high as he served out a suspension for recent bookings, including a disputed disciplinary decision imposed following the end of last weekend’s draw at Walsall.
Ryan Cooney’s second-half penalty ensured Bell’s side were able to confirm a third win in four games despite substitute Chris Long’s red card in the closing minutes.
Bell said: “I don’t think I should have been in the stand after the Walsall bench got charged in the week. We’d just stayed in our dugout so I was pretty annoyed about it.
“But I’ve got a lot of trust in my assistants, Ryan Dicker and Kenny Lunt, and it was an outstanding performance with and without the ball.
“Notts always try and play football, they’re a really good team although they were missing one or two players today.
“They have high possession and we wanted to counter that and our first goal was a good counter attack.
“It was a really good bit of composure from Joel Tabiner and the after-burners came on from Shilow for a really good finish.
“He is playing with a lot of confidence. After the sending-off we showed the real character which is what the group is about, getting the ball out of our box and blocking.”
Tracey tore from the halfway line onto Tabiner’s pass, outrunning Sam Austin before firing under goalkeeper Alex Bass for Crewe’s 40th-minute opener.
Nick Tsaroulla went close for the visitors after a driving run but keeper Filip Marschall conjured up a great save to push the winger’s effort over the bar.
Marschall also kept out a header from Tsaroulla in the second half which saw an improved display by the Magpies, with boss Stuart Maynard putting veteran David McGoldrick up front.
But they fell further behind when referee Steven Copeland pointed to the spot after Jacob Bedeau impeded Omar Bogle as the striker flew into the box, with Cooney stepping up and sending Bass the wrong way.
Long’s straight red card six minutes from time for a reckless late tackle which left Matt Palmer writhing took some shine off the home side’s impressive afternoon.
Maynard said: “Everyone in the ground could see it wasn’t a penalty. But goals change games.
“Crewe scored on the counter from our corner – it was a good finish. We weren’t good enough as a group today. We weren’t at our best although I still think we had the better chances and we were comfortable in the game.
“David McGoldrick was excellent when he came on and he got us into some unbelievable positions but I think it was one of those days.
“You can always look at the injuries we have had but the squad has done incredibly well to get us to this point. But if we had a full squad available where would we be?”
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Arsenal 3-0 Nottm Forest Leicester 1-2 Chelsea Pray for City! Club football is back Harry Kane recreated the Bundesliga logo When you order Jack Grealish on Wish This Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, FootballLaughss, PL__OOC)...
The France striker has been linked with Manchester United in recent days.And as he battles to work his way into Chelsea's starting XI this season, Nkunku is said to be considering his options.United and PSG have both been linked with the striker.But the Athletic says Chelsea have ruled out parting with Nkunku in January....
Diomande has been linked with Manchester United, Arsenal and Manchester City this season.Andersen coached the defender with Midtjylland U19s and told O Jogo: “I can understand that there is a lot of enthusiasm around Diomande and that big clubs are after him, because he has been very well. "They're crazy values, you've reached a point where you start to wonder if they belong there. I talk to...
Trivela says Real are considering a move for the Brazilian veteran in January.Real management recognise the retirement of Toni Kroos has left a massive void, which has led to discussions about bringing Casemiro back to the club.It's believed Casemiro would have a big impact on the pitch and in the dressing room at Real, which are struggling for consistency this season.The 32 year-old left Real for...
Arsenal and Liverpool to lock horns in January for ZubimendiReal Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi has emerged as a prime target for Liverpool, but Arsenal are reportedly keen on rivalling the Merseyside club for his signature. According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool are preparing a second bid for the standout player, with a January transfer seen as a strong possibility. They are determined to land Zu...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Jack Grealish joked about Pep Guardiola's reaction if he went on I'm a Celeb this year Man City vs Spurs this weekend… Cristiano Ronaldo Mudryppe Throw back to the most crazy substitution in football history... Kylian Mbappe vs Tree When everyone keeps calling you a one season wonder but you're just a chill guy. Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will...
Ruben Amorim is set to take charge of his first game for the Red Devils against Ipswich on Sunday.Man Utd are planning some major transfers to bolster Ruben Amorim's teamThe club are reportedly considering returning for Jarrad BranthwaiteJamie Carragher is intrigued to see how such a "radical" move with work mid-season, while Amorim himself has warned fans they will need to prepare for some "hard ...
The center half is one of the most sought after young talents in the world at present.Per football.london, both Arsenal and United are keen to sign him in the summer.However, the source states that United are very much in the ascendancy in this respect.Having hired Ruben Amorim, who was previously Diomande's manager at Sporting CP, gives them a big edge.Diomande may also base his decision on wheth...
Javier Mascherano is set to become the new head coach of Inter Miami in the upcoming days as the two parties finalize contract negotiations, sources have confirmed to ESPN.Mascherano will leave his post as manager of Argentina's youth team to lead Lionel Messi and the Herons throughout the 2025 campaign. He replaces Gerardo "Tata" Martino, who exits the club after a year and a half due to personal...
Kolo Muani Linked with January Premier League LoanParis Saint-Germain forward Randal Kolo Muani could secure a temporary move to the Premier League in January, according to Caught Offside. The French international, who has faced limited playing opportunities this season, is attracting interest from several English clubs. West Ham United and Newcastle United are reportedly leading the race for Kolo...
- 1 Roy Keane forced to watch daughter's beau net on his England debut
- 2 I am not a lunatic – Craig Bellamy glad to show different side in Wales dugout
- 3 Nicolas Pepe pictured on night out with porn star Teanna Trump
- 4 Roy Keane’s daughter pictured with Taylor Harwood-Bellis for first time
- 5 Johnnie Jackson bemoans refereeing decisions after dramatic Dons draw
- 6 Liverpool and Man Utd eye Pulisic
- 7 Liam Cullen leads Wales to Nations League promotion
- 8 Daily Laugh - Oliver Aiku, who praises Van Dijk
- 9 Trent Alexander-Arnold dating stunning Instagram model
- 10 Ex-Prem ace asked Liverpool star for his sister's phone number