Ton-up Dagnall makes his point

CREWE ALEXANDRA boss Steve Davis hailed veteran striker Chris Dagnall after his 100th career league goal earned his side a point against Mansfield Town at Gresty Road.

Pat Hoban’s opener for the Stags was cancelled out by Dagnall’s landmark strike with both sides lacking the quality to conjure a winner thereafter.

But, following a 5-1 loss to Wycombe Wanderers in midweek, Davis was more than happy with the point and his century-grabbing striker. He [Dagnall] has been brilliant for us. A lot of his work goes without reward,” said Davis.

“His determination and work rate is fantastic and it’s great when he gets his rewards like he did here.

“It was important not to lose after the defeat on Tuesday.

“They set up to stop us playing.

“They were a big strong, physical side and it was a tough game for us.

“We want to try and avoid back-to-back defeats all season if we can, so I see this as a good result.”

The visitors mustered the best effort of a dull first half in the 23rd minute when Hoban flicked on an aerial ball to his stretching strike partner Danny Rose, whose diving header drifted wide.

But the game sprang to life six minutes after the break when Kevan Hurst whipped in an in-swinging cross from the left which Hoban was on hand to nod into the roof of the net at the back post.

Crewe were level within five minutes. Overlapping full-back Zoumana Bakayogo drilled in a low cross from the left and Dagnall slammed the low ball past Scott Shearer at the near post.

Alex substitute Dan Udoh had the chance to win it nine minutes from time when he got away from Krystian Pearce to latch on to a punt up field, but he thumped his shot into the side-netting.

The away side saw out the rest of the game comfortably, much to the satisfaction of their manager, Adam Murray.

“I’m pleased because Crewe is a very difficult place to come,” he said.

“Their home record is very good, so to come here and get a point is very pleasing.

“We’ve said all along our away form is not our problem.

“If you pick up points away and win your home games you get promoted.

“We are over the moon with the points we’ve picked up on the road but we need to start turning draws into wins.”