Match Summary

Testimonial for Shaun Smith and Steve McAuley

David Moyes split his squad in to two groups for tonight's pair of pre-season games, with the other players heading off to Rochdale.  The presence of Wayne Rooney was of course the attention-grabber for the Crewe game, with the line-up having a somewhat familiar look to it, at least in midfield (apart form the presence of McLeod). 

Crewe created a host of chances, hit the bar once, post once and Gerrard somehow managed to catch the ball couple of times as well...  

Carsley was the only midfielder playing on his own level, Gemmill especially having a bad, bad match.  McLeod looked lightweight — and we were playing Crewe!!

Duncan played several one-twos with the midfield but I don't recall him having a single shot on goal.  Crossing by Everton was woeful but then again Crewe's goalkeeper was MASSIVE and commanded his area superbly.  Had he played for us and Gerrard for them it probably would have been 2-0 to us.

Stubbs looked very sluggish and out of shape.  Slow on turns, got caught out of position and bad passes.  (Nothing new there then!)  Where as Yobo dribbled his way out of defence and hit passes to midfielders.  However, their partnership didn't work at all — Crewe's first goal was a mistake in communication, leaving Ashton between them to have a clear run at goal.

All-in-all, we were extremely poor and Crewe well deserved their win.  Not many positives from this match; Carsley put in his typical right midfield performance, however his crossing wasn't good enough.  Worked hard, passed the ball well and got stuck in.  Pistone did ok as right back but was never really tested properly.  

Under-19s Scott Brown Anthony Gerrard, and Steven Schumacher remained on the bench as Moyes was no doubt a little miffed at the loss.  A lot of work to be done — that's for sure!

[Thanks to Finn on the People's Forum for these comments — Ed]