Accrington Stanley 1 Crewe Alexandra 1. . .
ACCRINGTON Stanley manager John Coleman labelled Lutel James' penalty equaliser as the best spot-kick the striker has taken.
Cool-headed James gave Crewe goalkeeper Clayton Ince no chance as he rammed the ball into the top corner, earning praise from his manager.
But while Coleman was impressed with his striker, it was his defensive unit which particularly caught the eye.
It was no mean feat against Dario Gradi's Coca Cola Championship side, who, apart from goalkeeper Clayton Ince and Steve Foster had beaten Everton 2-1 just a few days before.
But Steve Halford was in typically gutsy mood, going in full-blooded for aerial challenges. Full back Peter Cavanagh covered well at the back and weighed in with some timely tackles, most notably when he deflected Mike Higden's shot after Steve Jones pulled the ball back across goal.
Stuart Howson backed up striker Lee McEvilly effectively on left flank in a 4-3-3 formation, while Robbie Williams stuck to his marking job well and did enough to put Mark Rivers off a couple of chances even though he was well placed to get his shot off first time.
But while they were held back for long periods, Crewe took the lead on the stroke of half-time from the penalty spot.
It wasn't all about defending for Stanley, however, as Crewe soon found out.
Coleman's men made some promising breaks down the right, while James went close on a couple of occasions inside the opening half-hour.
Ian Craney, who is improving with every game, was particularly impressive going forward.
Not only has the midfielder got an eye for goal, he used his strength to win possession from opposite number Lee Bell on the halfway line before charging forward and winning a corner.
Powerhouse McEvilly also worked hard, supplying a great cross for Paul Mullin but the front man's shot was well saved.
But Dario Gradi's side took a 1-0 lead into the break.
Trialist goalkeeper Mark Ovendale was caught in two minds and pulled out of stopping Mark Roberts' throughball as Higden burst into the box, but he upended the centre forward and the referee awarded a penalty, which Ovendale was powerless to keep out as David Vaughan rifled it into his top left corner.
But Stanley were back on level terms on 54 minutes, thanks to a virtual carbon copy of the visitors' goal.
This time James was awarded a penalty when Richard Walker handled the ball as he tried to nip round the defender. And the Reds striker made no mistake as he hammered his spot kick into the top right corner.
Craney had a long range effort tipped over by Ince, trialist Baboucarr Njie tried to cause problems with his pace, while Cavanagh had valid appeals for a second Stanley penalty turned down, despite being pulled down by substitute James Robinson.
But Coleman was pleased with a well-earned draw.
"We closed them down and took the ball off them a hell of a lot," he said.
"I thought the whole back four were outstanding, the keeper was impressive, and Lutel's penalty was the best one he's ever taken."
STANLEY: Mark Ovendale; Peter Cavanagh, Stuart Howson, Robbie Williams, Steve Halford; Ged Brannan, Steve Flitcroft, Ian Craney; Lutel James, Paul Mullin, Lee McEvilly. Subs used: Baboucarr Njie, James Lock, Chris Lynch.
CREWE: Clayton Ince; Billy Jones, Mark Roberts, Kenny Lunt, Richard Walker; Steve Foster, Lee Bell, David Vaughan; Mark Rivers, Mike Higden, Steve Jones. Subs used: Andy White, Paul Bignot, Neil Sorvel, James Robinson.
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