Crewe draw with Cheltenham on opening day
It was the first weekend of competitive games with fans in attendance for some time in England, as the EFL made its long- awaited return.
I found myself at Gresty Road, home of Crewe Alexandra, as the Railwaymen hosted Cheltenham Town.
The returning home supporters and the visiting supporters alike were treated to a goal in the first half from their teams.
The hosts took the lead after good work from Mikael Mandron and a slip from a defender which allowed Mandron to roll the ball past the keeper.
Business as usual for Mika 🤙#CreweAlex pic.twitter.com/UVKsq0Avcr
— Crewe Alexandra (@crewealexfc) August 8, 2021
Cheltenham, promoted last season after winning League Two, equalised shortly before half-time.
An ill-judged back pass was gleefully slotted home by Andy Williams to leave the game finely poised at the break.
The second half would not live long in the memory, with neither side really threatening a winner unfortunately.
Cheltenham Town had the better chances including two Alfie May shots in quick succession – but the sides ultimately cancelled each other out as neither team looked like they wanted to lose.
For the visitors, on paper it would appear to be a well-earned point on the road for a promoted team, while Crewe Alexandra will be looking for better results going forward if they are to challenge the play-off places this season.
A round-up
Elsewhere in League 1, Cambridge United, Oxford United, Gillingham and Lincoln also played out 1-1 draws.
Charlton Athletic, who just missed out on a playoff spot last campaign, shared a goalless draw with Sheffield Wednesday.
Ipswich Town needed an injury time equaliser to secure a point at home to League One new boys Morecambe, drawing 2-2.
Bolton Wanderers and MK Dons were involved in the fixture with the most goals in League One this weekend – the Dons led twice but Bolton scored in the fifth minute of injury time in to draw 3-3.
There were victories for AFC Wimbledon, Portsmouth, Rotherham United, Burton Albion and Sunderland.
Wycombe Wanderers, who fought bravely in their first ever Championship season in 20/21, kicked off their League One campaign with a win over Accrington Stanley – early signs that the Chairboys are a strong contender to go straight back up.
One down, 45 to go… 😎 #EFL | #SkyBetLeagueOne pic.twitter.com/fLgZthAExs
— Sky Bet League One (@SkyBetLeagueOne) August 9, 2021
