Crewe made it through to the League Two play-off final after beating Doncaster Rovers on penalties, following an impressive second-leg comeback.
Trailing 2-0 from the first leg, Crewe fought back early on as Mickey Demetriou and a James Maxwell own goal levelled the tie at 2-2 on aggregate.
Alexandra then sealed the victory 4-3 in the shootout after goalkeeper Max Stryjek saved two penalties.
Crewe will now face Crawley or MK Dons at Wembley on Sunday May 19 for a place in next season’s League One.
Crewe battle back to reach final after shootout drama
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Mickey Demetriou heads in at the back post for Crewe as they now trail 2-1 on aggregate to Doncaster in their League Two play-off semi-final clash
Despite the doubters, Crewe boss Lee Bell was convinced his side could get back into the tie, and they proved they could in the early stages of the second leg.
It took just six minutes for Demetriou to land the first blow, before Maxwell turned the ball into his own net from a Chris Long cross on 16 minutes. Out of nowhere, the tie was all square.
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A James Maxwell own goal gives Crewe a 2-0 lead away to Doncaster as they also make it 2-2 on aggregate in the second leg of their play-off semi-final
Crewe then largely decided to stick, rather than twist, and the game ended up in extra-time then penalties.
And it was Stryjek – signed on an emergency loan less than a month ago – who proved to be the hero, denying Zain Westbrooke and Hakeeb Adelakun in the shootout to take Crewe to Wembley.
Bell: I’m so proud of my players
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Crewe Alexandra manager Lee Bell shares his emotional reaction following their dramatic win over Doncaster as the Railwaymen reach the League Two play-off final after winning on penalties.
Crewe manager Lee Bell:
“They’re a credit, my players. I said to them when they left the hotel that I’m so proud to be associated with all of them, and all the staff.
“We knew what we had to do. There were players on who shouldn’t have been playing. What a fantastic evening.
“We’ve got so much personality and character. We couldn’t get a grip of the game at all, but we’ve done that a lot this season and we had to show that mentality again. I’m really pleased for those who scored the penalties.
“I hope they really enjoy it tonight. I can’t put it into words. It’s a lot of emotion and the players deserve it.”
McCann: It’s a real sickener
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Doncaster Rovers boss Grant McCann was left dejected as he shared his thoughts following their penalty shootout loss to Crewe in the League Two play-off semi-final.
Doncaster manager Grant McCann:
“Firstly credit to Crewe. They stopped us playing in the first half and we struggled. Ultimately that’s cost us.
“From the second half onwards we looked more like us. We created some really good moments and opportunities but unfortunately we didn’t get the goal.
“Our fans were outstanding and it’s a real sickener for us. We feel really low and down. It’s now my job to try and pick this group up for next season.”
‘Euphoria of getting to Wembley is special’
Stockport manager Dave Challinor on Sky Sports Football:
“Everything was stacked against them. The play-offs never cease to amaze. They have to enjoy tonight because the euphoria of getting to Wembley is something really special.
“I know from experience, I stood in that position last season where we got to the final on penalties, then lost at Wembley on penalties. There’s no better way of getting promoted, but no worse place to lose a football match.
“They’ll enjoy tomorrow, but quickly turn to going to the final and trying to find a way to win. That’s the all-important thing.”
What’s next?
Crewe advance to the Sky Bet League Two play-off final, where they will face MK Dons at Wembley on Sunday May 19.
Doncaster will remain in the fourth tier for the 2024/25 campaign.
