Sheffield United boss Nigel Clough made changes to the side from which drew 1-1 at home to Fulham in the FA Cup the previous Sunday. Michael Doyle was a forced change with him serving a suspension with Stefan Scougall, the pint pized attacker making his debut whilst Billy Paynter was preffered to Chris Porter.
In contrast it was a poor performance by United against an opponent who laid just above them in the table where three points would have mattered. But Alex to their credit battled throughout and from the off were dominant. Just four minutes into the game Matt Hill was forced into a timely tackle preventing Leitch-Smith from testing Long's gloves after Aneke had forced his way though a busy penalty area.
However despite their dominance Crewe's passing became streched as the half unfolded and moments later a long telling pass was swpt clear by Maguire. At the other end Paynter showed great physical strengh and presence which allowed the ball to float over the defence and his square ball found Scougall at the far post but Evans was alert top block his effort and out for a corner. Baxter took the resulting set-piece and Maguire looked set to notch home his seventh goal of the season but an awkward bounce distracted the centre-half and the chance was gone.
United won another corner and this time Collins almost put the visitors ahead before Progba's sweeping ball across the box caused Long some trouble and Flynn was able to clear to safety. The pitch had a telling factor on the game though both sides had to struggle through swirling winds.
Collins prevented Leitch-Smith’s shot from finding Long's goal on 36th minute and soon after Crewe had their lead. ANEKE fired the hosts in front, he had beaten Coady and his wicked shot evaded both Maguire and Long before nestling home. On the stroke of half-time their lead was doubled when ANEKE again fired home, this time from 15 yards.
At the start of the second half the Blades looked to have a sure penalty when Scougall was tripped in the box but was given no joy. Has the hour mark loomed Brayford acted quick to prevent the hosts tripling their lead. Tootle had surged forward and found Aneke, he lost the ball has he attempted to skip past Long, Leitch-Smith looked destined to slide the ball home but the on loan Cardiff defender was on hand to block and clear. On 62nd minute Blades boss Nigel Clough made a change with Bob Harris and Stephen McGinn replacing Flynn and Murphy.
United switched to three at the back and take on a more attackive approach but this left the Blades vunerable at the back and Long was forced to deny Progba on the angle before Leitch-Smith fired wide. With 22 minutes remaining Porter was brought on for Paynter and the former Derby striker was almost wheeling away in celebration but he headed from Brayford's cross.
Moore replaced Leitch-Smith for Crewe and he should have got the better of Long but chipped the ball straight at him. Maguire, who despite lacking pace makes up for skill and agility acted partly as a forward as United made attempts to get back into the game. However all attempts failed and the defeat was edged in stone when , on the 90th minute MOORE acted quickest to finish off a rebound after Long saved Inman's effort.