Charlie Kirk strike inspires Crewe to victory over Swindon

Posted Wednesday, October 03, 2018 by PA

Charlie Kirk’s third goal of the season lifted Crewe to a 1-0 win against Swindon.

Kirk was the star of the show, lighting up a sparse Gresty Road with his running and enterprise down the left flank.

Luke McCormick did well to push away the winger’s drive at the near post early on.

But even defender Joe Romanski’s desperate intervention on the Swindon goal line couldn’t keep out Kirk’s shot, which edged Crewe ahead in the 30th-minute after Callum Ainley’s effort was blocked.

Crewe were pressed back at times by the powerful running of Keshi Anderson, whose deflected shot flew inches past the post.

Keeper Ben Garratt stood tall to divert Anderson’s angled blast away before the break.

McCormick showed similar boldness when he used his chest to get in the way of Ainley’s close-range volley to keep Swindon in the game on the hour mark.

But Crewe looked more likely to add to their tally and on-loan Liverpool defender Corey Whelan may have done better when he planted a header wide.

But the Railwaymen were fortunate when substitute Ellis Iandolo cut into the box and drove onto the foot of the post in the closing minutes.