Crewe 3-1 Forest Green
Crewe moved nine points above the League Two drop zone as they secured a comfortable win over Mark Cooper's relegation threatened Forest Green side. The home side's first half dominance was rewarded when striker Jordan Bowery broke the deadlock just before the half time whistle. The 26-year-old bravely met Harry Pickering's free kick, beating goalkeeper Cameron Belford to the ball to head home. With half an hour left to play Crewe doubled their advantage as striker Charlie Kirk got his name on the score sheet for the third time of the season. The academy graduate doing well to squeeze a low effort into the bottom left hand corner. The match was then put beyond doubt three minutes later as Bowery grabbed his second of the game. The former Aston Villa man's brilliant effort from a tight angle deflected off the post before nestling into the back of the net. The visitors netted a consolation through Dayle Grubb's clever finish but never looked like threatening Crewe's victory.
Crewe boss David Artell expressed his delight at the result, telling the club's official website, “I am pleased because we have got the points for our performance. We have played well this season and got nothing for our efforts. It is a big win but they are all big wins in the position we are in.”
Exeter moved back into the play off positions after they edged struggling Port Vale on a cold night at Vale Park. The winning goal arrived midway through the first half as defender Jordan Storey beat Vale keeper Ryan Boot with a powerful volley from inside the box. The Grecians weathered strong Vale pressure to hold onto all three points with goalkeeper Christy Pym making brilliant saves to keep out both Tyrone Barnett and Ben Whitefield.
After the game, Exeter manager Paul Tisdale told the club's official website, “It was a pretty ugly game all round, really, from our point of view, but we nicked a goal from a set piece and we hung on.
“It wasn't our intention before the game but it was a very, very energy sapping pitch and I can see how the games are so difficult for the Port Vale side to play every week.
Defeat leaves the home side just seven points above the relegation zone. A frustrated Neil Aspin told reporters, “There's been a bit of negativity around the club, there has been obviously with the season we've been having. Instead of dwelling on the disappointment of losing tonight we have to be positive.
“I honestly think if the team can play like they did tonight for the remainder of the games, then we've got enough points to be safe.”
Morecambe 0-0 Colchester
The mid table clash at the Globe Arena ended in a stalemate as both teams failed to break the deadlock. The closest the home side came to scoring came mid way through the first half as Colchester keeper Sam Walker made an impressive double save to deny both Adam McGurk and Gary Thompson. The visitors could have nicked all three points deep into second half injury time through Mikael Mandron, however the former Sunderland man blazed a good chance wide.
