INTEREST and intrigue is building ahead of our EFL League Two Play-Off Final at Wembley on Sunday.
Crawley Town will participate following a very comfortable Semi-Final triumph. But opponents Crewe Alexandra reached the showpiece by totally defying League 2 odds.
Correct Score - 3:1
Here is my extensive preview alongside a considered score prediction to assist your football betting…
Crawley Town vs Crewe Alexandra
Sunday 19th May 2024, Kick-off 1pm
Score Prediction: Crawley cruise it 3-1.
Crawley Town Play-Off Semi-Final Review
First Leg: Crawley Town 3 MK Dons 0
Crawley Town were firmly buoyant in light of this 3-0 canter over visitors MK Dons (attendance 5,564).
Liam Kelly opened the scoring via his fiercely driven fifth minute effort and Jay Williams doubled matters one minute into first half stoppage time poking home a set play. Then on 65 minutes, Ronan Darcy’s deflected cross-shot registered number three.
Second Leg: MK Dons 1 Crawley Town 5
Danilo Orsi notched a fine hat-trick as Crawley Town cemented their first ever visit to Wembley Stadium.
Orsi struck dynamically on 30, 48 and 90+2 minutes complementing goals from team mates Jay Williams (3 mins) and Jack Roles (80 mins) - all capitalising on severe back line fragility. The well-beaten Dons’ consolation came through Max Dean (45+1 mins) who also had a penalty kick brilliantly repelled by Crawley keeper Corey Addai at full stretch. Attendance: 10,053
Quotes
Crawley Town manager Scott Lindsey said: “We approached the Second Leg at MK Dons keeping our feet resolutely on the ground staying humble and respectful. Ultimately our performance was excellent. We were aggressive in pressing our opponents and equally aggressive in possession.
“I am aware football has a habit of shooting you down and I couldn’t relax until full-time. I am extremely proud of my players. Many of them came out of Non-League clubs when we initially brought them in. Now it is a Play-Off Final and we are really looking forward to it.
“Our fans have been superb all season. Therefore I am so pleased we are rewarding them with this magnificent day at Wembley Stadium. It is such a special place and I sincerely hope we are celebrating at the end of the game.”
Crawley Town Fact File
-
Final position in League Two: 7th
-
Leading scorer: Danilo Orsi – 24 League, Cup and Play-Off goals.
-
Last appearance in League One: 2014/15
Crewe Alexandra Play-Off Semi-Final Review
First Leg: Crewe Alexandra 0 Doncaster Rovers 2
Doncaster Rovers racked up a seemingly significant 2-0 lead remaining unconquered throughout the past 13 fixtures whilst winning 11 times. Contrastingly, Crewe Alexandra reflected on just one victory amid the last 10 outings.
Luke Molyneux drew first blood for Donny on 34 minutes drilling left footed high into the net before Harrison Biggins added the second at close range 14 minutes later punishing a defensive mix-up. The attendance was 8,220.
Second Leg: Doncaster Rovers 0 Crewe Alexandra 2 (After extra-time, aggregate 2-2, Crewe Alexandra won 4-3 on penalties)
Crewe Alexandra sensationally overturned the two goal First Leg deficit to attain Wembley status on penalties.
Their goalscorers were Mickey Demetriou (6 minutes) powerfully heading in after a left flank corner plus James Maxwell’s inadvertently slid own goal (16 mins). It continued at 2-0 until the conclusion of extra-time
Into the shoot-out, goalkeeper Max Stryjek – signed on an emergency loan from Wycombe Wanderers in April - was the true Alex hero. He dived to his left saving low penalties by Zain Westbrooke and Hakeeb Adelakun to secure a 4-3 success. Attendance: 12,889
Quotes
Crewe Alexandra manager Lee Bell said: “Nobody gave us a chance at Doncaster Rovers. However we knew in the dressing room what we are capable of. Some of my lads were only 50 percent fit. Yet when you put the boys together they can be a unit that matches anyone. I think we received unjustified criticism during recent weeks. I love proving people wrong because I’ve done it my whole life.
“Consequently we are going to Wembley to take everything in and enjoy it. My lads know it is a serious business. Promotion is at stake so they will listen, absorb tactical messages and apply themselves correctly. I don’t want to use the word ‘occasion’. Yes it is a big occasion for the supporters but we will work exceptionally hard trying to win the football game.”
Crewe Alexandra Fact File
-
Final position in League Two: 6th
-
Leading scorer: Elliott Nevitt – 18 League and Cup goals.
-
Last appearance in League One: 2021/22
*Credit for the main photo belongs to Alamy*
