Crewe knock Notts County off League Two summit

Posted Wednesday, October 18, 2017 by PA

Notts County were knocked off the summit of Sky Bet League Two after losing 2-0 following a lacklustre showing at Crewe.

Goals from Michael Raynes and Jordan Bowery secured the lowly Railwaymen the points.

Crewe were the more positive side throughout, with Chris Porter twice going close before the break.

County keeper Ross Fitzsimons fielded an angled drive from the frontman, but was later saved embarrassment when Elliott Hewitt's goalline clearance denied Porter.

Matt Tootle, making his 50th County appearance against his former club, blazed a volley well over. It was the only effort the leaders mustered in a disappointing first-half after boss Kevin Nolan surprisingly left Jon Stead and Shola Ameobi out of his starting XI.

Crewe got their just desserts for a strong opening period when Raynes smashed the ball into the roof of the net in the 44th minute after he and Porter traded passes at George Cooper's lofted free-kick.

County looked in vain for inspiration after a triple substitution saw Stead, Ameobi and Jorge Grant introduced on the hour-mark, but they fell two behind in the 66th minute when Bowery ran in behind to take a pass from Cooper and steer past Fitzsimons.