Bernabia inspires City to a 3-1 win at Crewe

By Andy Leggott
March 13 2002

City scored their 4th victory in nine days with a hard fought 3-1 victory, away to Crewe. Another Ali Bernabia inspired victory ensured City went back to the top of division 1 as the season entered it's final straight.

The gauntlet was thrown down by Wolves, and how City have responded. Just a week ago City trailed Wolves by 8 points with 3 games in hand, but such has been the response that City now lead by 2 points with a game in hand. This result was once more fully deserved, but even so City were made to work for the 3 points from a lively Crewe side. City dominated the first half for the most part with Goater having an early effort cleared off the line. On 29 minutes Bernabia picked up the ball near the half way line and chose to run at goal as the Crewe defence stood off him, not believing the space offered to him he hit a glorious chip into the top corner to give City a deserved 1 goal lead. A truly excellent finish that was worthy of winning the game. City continued to press and could quite easily have gone 2 up if Bernabia had shown his earlier composure when presented with the easiest of chances. The magnificent City support did not have to wait for long for the second though, Bernabia feeding Huckerby on the edge of the area, who in turn finished with a well taken goal into the bottom corner. 2-0 and half time.
Many teams would of, and indeed have, folded having gone in 2 down to this City side. Crewe to their credit didn't. Crewe dominated the early stages of the second half and reduced the defecit to 2-1 when Jack chipped Nash from the corner of the penalty area. Crewe sensed a comeback and continued to press, forcing a couple of fine saves out of Nash. As City supporters were beginning to worry as to whether their team could hang on, the Goats moment duly arrived. Bernabia once more fed Huckerby who back heeled the ball into the Goats path, the finish was top drawer, the result, the Goats 30th of the season. The first City player since Francis Lee some 30 years ago, to achieve such a feat. 3-1 to City and game over. Both teams had chances to add to their scores but 3-1 is how it remained and City went back top.
Considering this was City's 4th game in 9 days (the last 3 away from home) and that they have been missing Wanchope, Howey and Berkovic, you really have to marvel at how they have overturned the 8 point defecit. Surely now, even Manchester City can't throw away not only promotion but promotion as champions ... we shall see.