Colchester United 1-1 Crewe Alexandra

Lee Bell has been Crewe manager since December 2022

Crewe clinched a play-off spot following a 1-1 draw at Colchester, who confirmed their League Two status.

Arthur Read's shot flew straight at Crewe goalkeeper Max Stryjek early on before Colchester took a 35th-minute lead.

Noah Chilvers collected Ellis Iandolo's pass and brilliantly turned past Ryan Cooney just inside the Crewe half before advancing toward goal and unleashing a fine low shot past Stryjek at his near post.

Crewe looked for an immediate response and almost got one when Matus Holicek planted a weak shot straight at keeper Sam Hornby from a good position in the area.

Rio Adebisi blasted over at the near post early in the second half for Alex, who had a penalty appeal rejected when Mickey Demetriou appeared to be pulled back by Fiacre Kelleher in the area.

Elliott Nevitt's 25-yard strike flew just wide of the target for Alex before the striker converted substitute Charlie Kirk's cross in the first minute of stoppage time as the visitors sealed a play-off place.

Crewe boss Lee Bell said he had been through "all of the emotions" during the game.

"Two or three weeks ago, we had 14 players out injured and they just find a way the players, they stick together and I've said in the past, that's their biggest strength. I'm delighted for the players," he added.

"It's not luck that we score goals after 90 minutes - this group are amazing."

Colchester head coach Danny Cowley said the week leading up to the game had been "like torture".

He continued: "We actually played really well for large parts and I still don't know how we don't win that game, we were in such a good place in the game. I suppose it was typical us really, that we give such a soft goal away.

"I've inherited two relegation battles, one at Huddersfield Town and one here, and I've been fortunate enough to be successful in both."

Match report supplied by PA Media.