County 3-3 Crewe Alex

Greg Tansey’s double ensured County took a point off high-flying Crewe in an enthralling contest at Edgeley Park.

Paul Simpson’s men were restricted to long-range efforts in the opening exchanges with Greg Tansey, Jake Simpson and Andy Halls all firing over from distance in the opening 10 minutes.

The Hatters almost fell behind after just six minutes when Clayton Donaldson outpaced Tom Aldred before rolling his shot past Matty Glennon, only for the ball to roll back off the inside of the post and out to safety.

In the 24th minute, County took the lead when Mansour Assoumani took the ball down on the edge of the box and rolled the ball to Wesleigh Fletcher who recovered from a slip, to beat Adam Dugdale to the byline before smashing a shot at Rhys Taylor who palmed the ball away straight into the path of Greg Tansey who tucked the ball away from close range.

The Hatters were unfortunate not to go ahead when a long ball was met by Wesleigh Fletcher who volleyed the ball up over the Alex defence and into the path of strike partner George Donnelly who raced clear on goal and shot against the outside of the post.

Crewe however forced an equaliser in first-half injury time with the lively Donaldson somehow getting through both Tom Aldred and Adam Griffin to latch onto Dugdale’s long ball and fire past Matty Glennon.

The Hatters fell behind just two minutes into the second half. Ashley Westwood fed Shaun Miller down the right-hand side who delivered a wonderful cross which was met by Donaldson who smashed his header past Glennon and into the corner of the net.

In the 54th minute Wesleigh Fletcher`s drilled shot was tipped onto the post by Taylor in the Alex goal, only for David Poole to see his rebound cleared off the line by Dave Artell resulting in the ball falling to Poole yet again who guided the ball home.

Just after the hour, Danny Shelley found the ball on the edge of the area and his shot went straight into the gloves of Matty Glennon. Moments later, the same man gave Crewe another lead when he smashed home an unstoppable free-kick from 30 yards out that left Glennon helpless to prevent the Hatters falling behind yet again.

There was however yet more drama to come on what was an incredible afternoon of football. In the 71st minute Wesleigh Fletcher was felled by Dave Artell and referee Stuart Attwell had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Greg Tansey made no mistake getting his second of the game as he tucked the ball comfortably past Taylor.

Mansour Assoumani should have made it 4-3 when he found space in the box but he was unable to keep his composure and he blasted wide in a crowded penalty area.

There was still time for one last chance in what was a pulsating contest when Matt Tootle`s free-kick was flicked on by Donaldson and although it looked destined to be a last gasp Crewe winner, Glennon managed to get fingertips to the ball and divert it onto the post.

Neither of these two sides deserved to lose this game as their respective seasons continue to head in very different directions.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Shaun Miller: The youngster was terrific throughout the 90 minutes and never stopped running.