A goal apiece at the break but with Crewe in the ascendency, Harrogate's chances of getting their first EFL win over the side are feeling slimmer by the second.

The hosts struck first after Jack Muldoon snuck behind Crewe's defence to nod in an opener and while they did a good job of holding their visitors back in the early minutes, Alexandra managed to work their way through.

They earned their equaliser with a well drilled corner that saw Reece Hutchinson chip the ball into the corner and since then have been well in control.

What can Harrogate do to change the tide?

Peter Morse
Crewe summariser on BBC Radio Stoke

I think it's fair to say that if Crewe were in a cup final and everyone was fit, Jack Lankester would be starting.

Crewe are just keeping the pressure on here. It's not exactly backs to the wall but Harrogate are unable to get out at the moment.

They've got to be careful of the counter attack though.

Crewe get a flurry of corners as this first half starts to draw to a close.

All of them taken deep but dealt with either by a defender or whacked out with a mighty punch from keeper James Belshaw.

Three more minutes for the hosts to hold out against this Alex pressure.

In bad news for Crewe, Matus Holicek has picked up an injury and need to be withdrawn.

The good news? They've got Jack Lankester from off the bench to replace him.

The winger is still on his recovery journey from a long-term knee injury but is a more than worthy replacement.

After spending a fair amount of the half not letting Crewe through, the Alex are really making inroads now.

In fact, the possession stats are starting weigh in the visitors' favour now and the pace has started to amp up.

Can Crewe take a lead before the break? They have the time to do so.

Paul Bolland
Ex-Harrogate midfielder on BBC Radio York

Harrogate just need to settle down, they've just lost their rhythm since Crewe got their equaliser.

Harrogate look for a quick response as Ellis Taylor has the ball up into Crewe's final third.

He has options around him but chooses to go for glory himself, buoyant with confidence but frustrated with his lack of participation so far.

It's the wrong call and the ball is struck out of play.

Peter Morse
Crewe summariser on BBC Radio Stoke

That's another sensational goal from Reece Hutchinson.

It looks like they've worked on that on the training ground but I'm not sure they've worked on the finish.

What a chip.

If Hutchinson was at fault for the first goal then he's made up for it with that.

Better from Crewe.

The ball is looped into the box, flying over heads to reach Calum Agius on the volley.

He turns to take the shot but scuffs it, seeing it rise into the stands with his hands on head. Good chance gone begging there.

Oof.

Harrogate's corner is ineffective and it's sent long up to the other side. Keeper James Belshaw comes out to kick it back down field but with him is Tommi O'Reilly and Belshaw can't get the control in the battle.

Unluckily for O'Reilly, he slips and he can't recover quick enough to make the keeper pay while he's off his line.

Crewe are well and truly stuck in midfield.

Even keeper Tom Booth has moved up to join the passing back and forth.

Captain Mickey Demetriou finally finds a forward pass but it's a Harrogate player who gets the touch and yet again the hosts go on the counter. It's delivered into the box but deflected out for a corner.

What can the Sulphurites do with this?

Graham McGarry
Crewe commentator for BBC Radio Stoke

Crewe are having plenty of possession but they haven't managed to test James Belshaw since the early minute of the game.

Crewe are struggling to break through Harrogate's defensive line but the hosts are looking plenty dangerous when they get on the counter.

The ball is threaded through the space to go all the way down the pitch and test Crewe keeper Tom Booth.

The ball is sent directly into his gloves though on the angle but it's still a move that bares more teeth than anything Crewe have put together so far.

Paul Bolland
Ex-Harrogate midfielder on BBC Radio York

It's like a midfield block from Harrogate. Crewe are just going from side to side and Harrogate seem happy with that.

As soon as they get into the final third then Harrogate are pressing and that's working so far.

Crewe skipper Mickey Demetriou sends up a long ball hoping to cause some damage to Harrogate but it goes out of play.

They are enjoying a little spell of possession now but haven't been able to carve out a chance yet. Can they weave their way through?

Peter Morse
Crewe summariser on BBC Radio Stoke

That's the first time the ball went up the pitch. It's far too easy.

The cross came in, Jack Muldoon is experienced he knows how to pick spaces but someone has to pick him up.

Crewe are already at the races.

They've had two balls directed into the box. The first not connecting with a white shirt, the second collected by the keeper before a visiting player could get a touch.

Hopefully, that's a sign this game is going to have some goalmouth action.