Match Report: AFC Crewe vs Ball Haye Green

Ball Haye Green bowed out of the League Challenge Cup at the quarter-final stage after a 2-1 defeat away at AFC Crewe, despite leading at the break.

Green started the stronger of the two sides and looked sharp in possession, moving the ball well and creating the better chances in the opening exchanges. Their bright start was rewarded on 33 minutes when Charlie Ratcliffe fired Ball Haye into a deserved lead, giving the visitors a 1-0 advantage heading into half-time.

However, the game turned shortly after the restart. AFC Crewe came out with renewed energy and found an equaliser just five minutes into the second half through Tom Wakefield (50’), shifting the momentum in favour of the hosts.

Crewe continued to apply pressure and completed the turnaround on 70 minutes, with Harry Baggaley finding the net to make it 2-1.

Ball Haye pushed to get themselves back into the tie, showing determination and commitment in the closing stages, but were unable to find the equaliser as AFC Crewe held on to progress to the next round.

A frustrating end to the cup run for Green, who will feel their strong first-half performance deserved more, but attention now turns back to league action.