Substitute Billy Paynter's sensational equaliser rescued a point for Hull and
denied struggling Crewe their first victory in eight games.
First-half goals from Eddie Johnson and Gary Roberts sandwiched Craig Fagan's
equaliser and put the Railwaymen on course for a priceless win.
But Paynter, who entered the fray in the 60th-minute, levelled from 25 yards
with 10 minutes remaining to leave Dario Gradi's men deep in the relegation
mire.
A lively opening period began at breakneck speed and saw the respective
goalkeepers forced into a string of fine saves.
Crewe striker Steve Jones warmed the hands of Hull stopper Boaz Myhill with a
third-minute effort from 12 yards before the visitors came back strongly.
Barely 30 seconds after Jones' effort, Tigers midfielder Jason Price hammered
in a 25-yard shot which forced Crewe stopper Ross Turnbull into action.
Hull continued to press and two minutes later Kevin Ellison hit a shot from
the edge of the box which again required Turnbull to make a routine save.
Crewe remained dangerous, though, and Jones and David Vaughan both saw efforts
saved by Myhill.
But, with 19 minutes on the clock, Crewe opened the scoring when on-loan
Manchester United striker Johnson drilled a delightful right-foot shot into the
bottom corner from 20 yards.
Fagan had Hull level shortly after the half-hour mark, though, tucking away
Price's pass from six yards.
Crewe almost instantly regained the advantage when Jones saw a close-range
shot blocked by Leon Cort, but Roberts' clinical finish from Vaughan's delivery
restored the hosts' advantage after 41 minutes.
Hull midfielder Keith Andrews almost drew his side level shortly before the
interval, but could only send an errant shot over the bar from just six yards.
Crewe attempted to extend their lead immediately after the restart, but Myhill
was again on hand to claim Darren Moss's dangerous cross.
Three quick corners from Kenny Lunt put the visitors under a spell of
sustained pressure, but the Tigers gradually began to edge their way back into
the game.
Midfielder Stuart Green attempted a spectacular equaliser on the hour mark,
but his left-foot strike sailed over.
Tigers boss Peter Taylor made a double substitution immediately, replacing
Andrews and Fagan with Stuart Elliott and Paynter.
And Paynter soon served notice of his attacking threat when he collected the
ball 20 yards from goal and drove in a wicked shot which forced Turnbull into
action again.
Crewe striker Jones and Hull midfielder Green both saw efforts flash narrowly
wide while Roberts almost put the Tigers out of sight in the 77th-minute when
his shot came within inches of beating Myhill.
However, the visitors rode their luck and Paynter netted a superb 80th-minute
leveller, firing into the top corner from 25 yards to secure his side a deserved
point.
Teams:
Crewe Turnbull, Moss, McCready, Foster, Tonkin, Lunt,
Billy Jones (Moses 90), Gary Roberts, Vaughan, Steve Jones,
Johnson (Varney 71).
Subs Not Used: Tomlinson, Rix, Rodgers.
Booked: Moss.
Goals: Johnson 19, Gary Roberts 41.
Hull Myhill, Cort, Delaney, Collins, Dawson, Green,
Price (Barmby 60), France, Andrews (Paynter 60), Ellison,
Fagan (Elliott 60).
Subs Not Used: Duke, Lynch.
Booked: Ellison, Dawson.
Goals: Fagan 33, Paynter 80.
Att: 7,942
Ref: E Ilderton (Tyne & Wear).
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