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The Clarets began the game in a 4-5-1 formation, supposedly fit again Ian Moore the lone striker, ably supported by a combative midfield in which both Grant and Chaplow were outstanding, but missing Paul Weller courtesy of a groin strain.
In a bright opening to the game, Dean Ashton had a first minute chance, quickly followed by Ian Moore after Robbie Blake's early release. The game continued its quick pace with Blake next to have a go, shooting wide after a good run from the once again lively Luke Chadwick.
The first action for either keeper came on ten minutes, Ince needing to be quick to react to his full back's half volley, which was destined for the top corner after a quick Blake free kick caught everyone sleeping.
The visiting keeper was dozing on the quarter hour, his half clearance fell kindly for Blake whose rolled pass across the six yard line just eluded a stretching Chaplow with the goal gaping. It was clear from Clarets neat approach play, that whilst possession was not a problem, a cutting edge and a target man clearly was, the Clarets main problem as time and time again, Clarets over played the ball in and around the area without anyone prepared to take the onus and shoot at goal.
A rare Crewe breakaway saw Branch caught out on the half way line, easily beaten by Jones, who then had a clear run at goal before a great block by David May meant Jensen was not required in the move.
Chaplow then showed neat touch and composure, but his shot was just over the bar on twenty minutes, before a swap of the Moore's saw Ian limp away to be replaced by a limp Alan, who was to have a poor game as the front man.
Poor Clarets defending from a corner on twenty five minutes saw a let off, as Foster miskicked the ball when unmarked from ten yards, with no one advancing to close him down from a simple ball in to the box.
With the crowd now encouraging the players to "shoot, shoot, shoot", whenever in or around the box, Clarets dominated the remainder of the half, the final move of the half seeing Chaplow delay his shot when well placed, a lack of experience evident from the energetic youngster; the ricochet falling to Blake who could not control the ball and the chance was gone. Cue Mr Laws' whistle and the entrance of more cheerleaders than there were Railwaymen in the visiting section. HT 0-0.
The second half began as the first had, with the largely bright and open play continuing. Blake and Chadwick combined well only five minutes in, Ince at full stretch to take Chadwick's shot whilst stretching.
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Quite how it was not 2-0 three minutes later only Little can explain. A neat move down Clarets' left saw Chadwick pass square to Blake, who, from eighteen yards and with an option to shoot saw Little all alone on the right side of the area and a neat pass set up Blakey. Having taken a touch and set himself up to shoot, Little blazed the ball over the bar from ten yards wasting the chance with his team mates looking aghast at him.
A wasteful five minute period was completed as Clarets were gifted a penalty from which Blake saw his well struck shot parried by Ince after Vaughan had inexplicably handled Blake's corner when under no pressure whatsoever. Two bad misses - would they be rued come the end of the game, thankfully not as it turned out on the day, but oh this game could have won by the hour mark.
As it was the momentum Clarets enjoyed was lost from this point forwards and Crewe were to come into the game after a disappointing first hour's performance on their part. A Camara giveaway allowed Ashton to have a run into the area and his neat pass across set up Jones who saw his shot miraculously stay out of the goal after hitting the inside of the far post as Crewe's fans began to celebrate.
McCready replaced Moses and Sorvel replaced Cochrane as the game slowed over the last twenty minutes, many misplaced passes allowing both sides to frequently trade possession. To ironic cheers fifteen minutes from time, Alan Moore won a header his contribution as a striker minimal at best, before Crewe had a good half chance, once again Jones unable to connect with a low cross as the visitors looked for a point out of the game.
Chaplow's encouraging performance was hampered by a booking for a crunching foul ten minutes from time, the officials getting this decision quite correct. Their next piece of officiating was dubious to say the least, Ince clearly handling the ball outside of his area but getting away with the misdemeanour.
Chaplow left the field to good applause five minutes from time as Arthur came on to bolster the middle of the pitch as Clarets looked to close the game down. It was all too much for Brammer, booked for dissent as the game moved into injury time, the only action of which saw Camara again miskick. Thankfully, Ashton was unable to capitalise and his shot was wide allowing Mr Laws to blow seeing the vast majority of the crowd leave smiling as Clarets deservedly collected their first win at home this season. FT 1-0.
Att:- A disappointing 11,495 with 92% actually attending.
Star Gazer
Alan Moore. OK, it's not his best position, but surely so much more can be expected of such an experienced and talented professional. Effort, strength, passion, pace and desire. All sadly missing from his seventy minutes meander around the pitch.
Champagne Tastes
Please, please, please can a striker be brought in before the next game in order that this small but hard working Clarets squad can benefit from their good approach play and graft from midefield. Back to back wins and no goals conceded, this is the basis of a squad that with further investment can enjoy a season in the First Division.
Star Geezer
Tony Grant. This was a Tony Grant performance of old and back to his first weeks after his move from City. Plenty of running, craft and neat passing saw Rodney Trotter dominate the midfield and show young Chaplow what he needs to aspire to.
Beer Money
10,575 actually attending, that's poor and a hugely disappointing figure, given that Clarets, whilst having not won in their previous two home games, had played well and had entertained. Doesn't bode well that the casual supporting Claret of today prefers not to attend and watch First Division football.