Match report

Crewe Defeats Cheltenham 4-1 in League Two Clash

Crewe
Crewe
4–1
FT
Cheltenham
Cheltenham
Jan 1, 2026

Crewe put on an impressive performance to defeat Cheltenham 4-1 in a crucial League Two clash. Goals from M. Holicek, J. March (two), and James Connolly ensured Crewe dominated the match despite Cheltenham's brief fightback through G. Miller.

Key Facts

  • • Crewe scored four goals against Cheltenham in a dominant display.
  • • Goals by M. Holicek, J. March (two), and James Connolly for Crewe.
  • • G. Miller netted the only goal for Cheltenham from an assist by E. Archer.
  • • H. Adelakun received a yellow card for Cheltenham early in the match.

Lineups

Crewe

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Starting XI

  • 13 S. Waller
  • 2 L. Billington (D)
  • 18 J. Connolly (D)
  • 5 M. Demetriou (D)
  • 3 R. Hutchinson (D)
  • 19 O. Lunt (M)
  • 6 M. H. Sanders (M)
  • 26 T. O'Reilly (M)
  • 17 M. Holicek (M)
  • 20 C. Agius (M)
  • 24 J. March (F)

Substitutes

  • 1 T. Booth
  • 8 C. Thomas
  • 9 O. Bogle
  • 14 C. Finney
  • 22 P. Croker
  • 23 J. Powell
  • 31 L. Moult

Cheltenham

Formation: 4-3-3

Starting XI

  • 1 J. Day (G)
  • 2 A. Jude-Boyd (D)
  • 6 R. Cundy (D)
  • 5 J. Wilson (D)
  • 27 J. Tomkinson (D)
  • 8 L. Young (M)
  • 26 B. Stevenson (M)
  • 21 I. Hutchinson (M)
  • 22 E. Archer (F)
  • 10 G. Miller (F)
  • 31 H. Adelakun (F)

Substitutes

  • 41 M. Diallo
  • 12 D. Power
  • 3 G. Harmon
  • 4 L. Kinsella
  • 11 J. Thomas
  • 16 J. Martin
  • 20 J. Bickerstaff

Timeline

  1. Crewe
    1' Crewe Goal · Normal Goal
    M. Holicek
  2. Cheltenham
    20' Cheltenham Card · Yellow Card
    H. Adelakun

    Foul

  3. Crewe
    22' Crewe Goal · Normal Goal
    J. March · Assist: Tommi O'Reilly
  4. Crewe
    34' Crewe Goal · Normal Goal
    James Connolly · Assist: Mickey Demetriou
  5. Cheltenham
    43' Cheltenham Goal · Normal Goal
    G. Miller · Assist: E. Archer
  6. Cheltenham
    46' Cheltenham subst · Substitution 1
    Off: Arkell Jude-Boyd · On: Jordan Thomas
  7. Cheltenham
    46' Cheltenham subst · Substitution 2
    Off: H. Adelakun · On: J. Bickerstaff
  8. Cheltenham
    62' Cheltenham subst · Substitution 3
    Off: G. Miller · On: Josh Martin
  9. Crewe
    65' Crewe subst · Substitution 1
    Off: M. Holicek · On: C. Finney
  10. Crewe
    66' Crewe subst · Substitution 2
    Off: Tommi O'Reilly · On: O. Bogle
  11. Crewe
    77' Crewe subst · Substitution 3
    Off: M. H. Sanders · On: C. Thomas
  12. Crewe
    77' Crewe Goal · Normal Goal
    J. March · Assist: C. Agius
  13. Crewe
    84' Crewe subst · Substitution 4
    Off: Mickey Demetriou · On: P. Croker
  14. Crewe
    84' Crewe subst · Substitution 5
    Off: J. March · On: Jack Powell
  15. Cheltenham
    88' Cheltenham subst · Substitution 4
    Off: E. Archer · On: Darragh Power
  16. Cheltenham
    88' Cheltenham subst · Substitution 5
    Off: I. Hutchinson · On: L. Kinsella

Match Stats

Stat Crewe Cheltenham
Fouls 10 14
Pass Accuracy 68% 81%
Offsides 1 0
Red Cards — —
Total Shots 14 13
Corners 6 5
Total Passes 324 520
Yellow Cards 0 1
Blocked Shots 3 4
Shots on Target 6 3
xG 1.70 1.29
Shots off Target 5 6
Possession 38% 62%
Goals Prevented — —
Accurate Passes 220 421
Shots Inside Box 6 8
Saves 1 2
Shots Outside Box 8 5

Key Match Notes

  • ▸ Crewe's quick start, scoring within 2 minutes of play, set the tone for their victory.
  • ▸ The third goal by James Connolly at the half-hour mark effectively sealed Crewe's win, despite Cheltenham pulling one back.