Ir points were awarded for pretty football and passing Colchester United would have won this disappointing Second Division encounter by a country mile.
Sadly, the game is more about results and goals and, on that score, Crewe Alexandra taught the U's a big lesson to chalk up their first win of the season.
Last year's top scorer, Rob Hulse shot the Railwaymen in front completely against the run of play in the first attack on ten minutes and late substitute Lee Bell smacked in a real corker to seal all three points in the 80th minute.
It really is no good dominating 80 per cent of the play, as the U's did, if you are not going to make it pay.
The featherweight Dean Morgan and Scott McGleish were toothless throughout and only when Kevin Rapley - a 62nd minute substitute for hard-working midfielder Bobby Bowry -was introduced did the U's threaten to break the home defence down.
Frustrated U's boss Steve Whitton summed up his day perfectly. He said: "We caused our own problems.
"We enjoyed so much possession in midfield, but our forward play was lethargic to say the least."
Colchester's only chances came via a great header from McGleish magnificently clawed off the goal-line by Crewe keeper Clayton Ince and a 20-yard Izzet shot that cannoned off the referee.
Morgan blazed another effort over the bar straight after half-time and Ince, at full length, took the ball off Izzet's toe.
Published Monday August 19, 2002
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article