Reserves get back to winning ways

Crewe were gifted an early opener as a free-kick from the area was palmed out by stand-in keeper Neil Wilson and a Crewe player headed in from a yard out as early as the third minute.

The equaliser arrived midway through the half from a free-kick after McCrum was tripped. Andy Mallen stepped up and sent his shot into the far top corner.

As the half wore on, Rangers looked more in control but couldn’t find the break-through as the final ball eluded the front pair of Cousins and Ireland.

With a minute until the interval, the Gers edged in front thanks to a spectacular drive from Scott Lindsay who found the very top corner from 25 yards out.

It took less than a minute to extend the lead as Ryan Weir drove forward and played a neat one two with Cousins before poking the ball under the keeper.

After the break, the away side came out with renewed vigour and closed Rangers down at every opportunity. Crewe brought it back to 3-2 on 56 minutes after converting on the volley from a corner.

Rangers had several chances to wrap the game up but on each occasion, they failed to test the keeper, rattling the side netting and blasting over the bar.

On 77 minutes, a free-kick on the left was whipped into the front post and was met by the Crewe centre half who glanced his header into the side netting to draw level.

Neither side were able to find a winner or even a clear-cut chance and left with a point apiece.

This Saturday, the Reserves have another home league fixture against Rathfriland Rangers Reserves who currently top the Reserve Championship League.

Kick off at Cheney Park is at 2.15pm.