Crewe Alexandra against Manchester United

Maynard still looks fresh and after 110 minutes he bamboozles Heinze with a neat run. He can't force a shot though and United can clear.

Another chance and the unmarked Richardson stings Willams' hands with a fizzing shot from 15 yards.

A great chance for United as Solskjaer unselfishly pulls back for Richardson who can't divert his effort goalwards. Neil Cox manages to get a vital block in and clear the danger.

Smith is well of the pace and Richardson and Solskjaer are carrying him at the moment.

The home support roar their players back on to the field as Crewe kick-off for the final time.

Sir Alex looks concerned and rightly so. The teams head towards the sidelines for refreshments and Fergie delivers his orders. Not a happy man.

ET HALF-TIME: CREWE 1-1 MAN UTD

Brown, who has had a woeful performance adds a yellow card to his list of misdemeanours for needlessly throwing the ball away.

United are starting to peg the hosts back and their workrate has increased to match that of Crewe's.

Corner for Man Utd, taken quickly and Solskjaer is crowded out as he attempts a back heel. Danger cleared.

Crewe still look comfortable at the back and are working hard to keep the scores level. United are spreading the ball from left to right searching for a way through.

Barnes has switched to the right wing and bursts through the Crewe defence only to play a wayward pass that kills the move. Fergie is not too pleased on the United bench.

Solskjaer has led by example and almost bags his second of the night with a reaching volley that pops up over the bar.

The passing and moving from Crewe has been a delight to the eye. Varney again threatens with a dribbling run, only to be halted 30 yards out.

A fine save from Williams after Solskjaer bent in a sneaky curler from just inside the box. It really could go either way.

Otsemobor fires in a low cross that escapes everyone. It's just behind Varney who can't get his leg back to divert it goalwards.

The pitch has held up well. The rain has been lashing down all evening but the grass is still firm and lush.

After a quick pit-stop and half an orange, the players are back out and United kick-off for the first half of extra-time.

FULL-TIME: CREWE 1-1 MAN UTD: EXTRA-TIME FOLLOWS

Maynard senses a chance to steal the headlines and gets his head down and goes on a determined run, his shot though, flies over the bar. It's the last chance of the night as the ref puts the whistle to his mouth.

Crewe are still pressing and Lowe is outnumbered in the box after a mazy run.

Three added minutes for the two sides to prevent us from an extra period.

Time running out now and we're heading for extra time if neither side manage to come up with a winner.

At the other end Barnes latches on to a mistake from a cross and fires in a low shot from an acute angle that Williams gathers in. Thrilling end to this tie.

Bell comes forward as United live on the edge. He scoops his effort towards the back post only for Silvestre to clear.

Richardson, well all of us thought he had won it. You would have put your mortgage on him rolling it into the net. But no, denied by the post. Crewe breathe again.

A double chance for United and Lowe's miscontrol inside his box allows Marsh a free strike on goal. Williams spares his defender's blushes and pulls off a save from point-blank range. Then Richardson, when clean through on goal beats the keeper but finds the upright. The second time his has rattled the goalframe.

The game is stretched now and gaps are opening up. Smith and Richardson dilly and dally inside the Crewe box before Lowe makes a crucial interception.

Crewe are buoyant now pushing back United by creating fine passages of play. Maynard and Varney's link-up has been superb.

What a chance for Crewe! Varney almost gets his second of the night in almost identical circumstances. This time Kuszcak comes off his line and gets enough on it to prevent it from finding the net.

Substitution for Crewe and Lee Bell comes on for Andy Taylor who clashed with David Gray. Gray himself has to go off too with Kieran Lee on for his senior debut.

Varney deserves his goal after a fine display up front. Wes Brown on the other hand has had a shocking match and won't want to see the replay of this game.

Crewe find the quality! Luke Varney jinks his way to the edge of the United box before delivering a stunning low drive through the legs of Wes Brown and beyond the outstretched hand of Kuszcak.

GOAL: CREWE 1-1 MAN UTD: VARNEY

Crewe are fighting and scrapping their way back into the game but have they got the quality to draw level?

Kuszcak is, as he has been all night, alert to another through ball. He slides in to clear the danger.

United wise up to Otsemobor's latest free-kick. Brown heads clear.

Barnes though, is having an impact down the left and getting into some fine positions. It's only a matter of time now before United increase the tempo and put Crewe to the sword.

Smith can't seem to make his mark on the game and his deft flicks aren't coming off at all.

United are coming out second best in the scraps that Crewe are forcing. Whatever Alex Ferguson said at half-time hasn't worked so far.

A good opportunity for Crewe as Brown slips and Varney just fails to connect with Maynard's cross.

A sustained period of pressure for United makes Crewe work for every ball. But boy are they working.

The goals are flying in in the other games but we've just had the solitary strike so far. Mind you, we've had plenty of chances.

Crewe have continued where they left off and Varney fires in a low effort that makes Kuszcak dive low to his left. A sparkling move that United would have been proud of.

Crewe create another fine move and Lowe finds himself at the end of it. Shame for Alex that he ballons his effort into the stands.

Kuszcak had to be aware there as Varney wins a flick-on that Maynard almost latches on to. The keeper rushes out to smother the danger.

More of a scrappy start to the second half with neither team able to control the play.

There's plenty of goals in these two sides. Man Utd are the leading scorers in the Premiership while Crewe are the top scorers in League One.

Barnes gets his first touch and charges down the right wing, comes to nothing though

Crewe kick off

Michael Barnes gets his senior debut aged 18, he comes on for the second half.

Crewe have been no means outplayed and have had the ball in the United net once this half only for the linesman to raise his flag. United's class came through for the one goal of the game as Solskjaer cleanly dispatched a right-wing cross.

HALF-TIME: CREWE 0-1 MAN UTD

Another cross from Lowe whistles through to Kuszcak. Only a touch is required on some of these deliveries for Crewe to equalise.

Crewe's workrate is phenomenal. They're forcing the Premiership stars into uncharacteristic mistakes that is providing the Alex hope.

Crewe are getting a fiar amount of joy down the Man Utd left. Varney again tries to create an opening inside the box but is thwarted on the edge by Heinze.

Richardson is beginning to pull the strings for United now. A lovely threaded pass for Ritchie Jones is wasted by the youngster who doesn't have the pace to skip past Andy Taylor.

More good work from Crewe. Maynard and Varney combine well and Varney jinks his way into a shooting opportunity. Too bad the finish wasn't as neat as the build-up - it's ended up in the car park.

A fine flowing move from United involving Solskjaer and Richardson ends with Ritchie Jones delivering a grass-cutter that is easily gathered in.

Not a bad effort from Richardson. His sweet left foot delivers a curling free-kick over the wall that is gathered low down by Williams.

It's end to end stuff still and as soon as that ball comes over from wide positions, panic reigns amopng the United defence. Varney almost takes advantage of Brown's slip only, but runs out of space in the box and the danger is cleared.

The goal has settled the nerves of United's second-string and Solskjaer is leading the line superbly.

Richardson becomes the first player to have his name taken by the ref. Cynical challenges from behind are sure fire ways to get your name taken, Kieron. No need for complaints there.

But back come Crewe. A neat turn and curling shot inside the left corner of the box by Varney brings a diving save from Kuszcak. What a game!

It's almost two! A sensational volley from Richardson is tipped on to the bar by Williams as United take charge.

David Jones' persistance and low cross from the edge of the box which the Norweigian masterfully dispatches low into the bottom right corner of the net.

GOAL: CREWE 0-1 MAN UNITED: SOLSKJAER

United respond and Solskjaer's sublime control and vision lays in David Jones who drills in his low drive straight at Williams. United's best chance so far.

Another opportunity for Crewe and again it's from a free-kick. A needless foul from Brown gives Lowe the chance to try his luck from 25 yards. It's a decent effort too, dipping just over the bar on to the roof of the net.

High balls are order of the day for Crewe. Whether it's the big boot of keeper Williams or the swinging cross of the wingers. Wes Brown doesn't look too comfortable with the aerial threat posed so far.

What a start that would have been for the Alex. They're dominating now and causing United problems in defence.

Isaac Osbourne's low, skidding drive gives Kuszcak all sorts of problems. Thankfully for him, Varney's rebound that finds the back of the net is chalked off for offside.

DISALLOWED GOAL: CREWE - VARNEY

A bit of needle here as Kieron Richardson throws the ball petulantly towards Maynard who's waiting to take the throw-in. Poor form from the United man.

Maynard stretches his legs and chases down a 50-50 ball with Kuszczak which the United keeper just about wins.

It's a full house at Gresty Road, despite the appalling weather. Mind you, they're used to it in that part of the world.

Long balls like that won't do, Mr Heinze! On this surface it just runs through and gives poor old Ole Solskjaer no chancw of retrieving it.

Neither side have settled yet and possesion is changing hands constantly.

Crewe by no means look overawed by the visit of the Premiership leaders. Mind you, there's not too many of the usual stars on show tonight.

United look to assert some pressure of their own and Solskjaer pokes an effort straight at the keeper Ben Williams after a corner.

A let-off for United who were caught napping in their penalty area. A well-worked free-kick from the hosts.

Ben Rix takes over free-kick duties and almost creates a goal. He swings it into the box and Neil Cox diverts his header goalwards only for Kuszczak to acrobatically tip over the bar. Great chance, great save.

Julian Baudet is the first player to have a crack. His free-kick evades the wall and ends up in the hands of Kuszczak.

Manchester United are in thier changed strip of white shirts and black shorts, with the home side in their normal red shirts and white shorts.

We're underway at Gresty Road.

The teams are out on the rain-soaked pitch. It really is a miserable night in Cheshire. The rain has been bucketing down for the best part of the day and the surface is slippery to say the least.

The teams are in and Sir Alex Ferguson hands teenage duo Phil Marsh and David Gray their senior Manchester United debuts as the Carling Cup holders began the defence of their trophy. Alan Smith makes his first start since suffering an horrific double leg break in February.

A fine save from Williams after Solskjaer bent in a sneaky curler from just inside the box. It really could go either way.

Otsemobor fires in a low cross that escapes everyone. It's just behind Varney who can't get his leg back to divert it goalwards.

The pitch has held up well. The rain has been lashing down all evening but the grass is still firm and lush.

After a quick pit-stop and half an orange, the players are back out and United kick-off for the first half of extra-time.

FULL-TIME: CREWE 1-1 MAN UTD: EXTRA-TIME FOLLOWS

Maynard senses a chance to steal the headlines and gets his head down and goes on a determined run, his shot though, flies over the bar. It's the last chance of the night as the ref puts the whistle to his mouth.

Crewe are still pressing and Lowe is outnumbered in the box after a mazy run.

Three added minutes for the two sides to prevent us from an extra period.

Time running out now and we're heading for extra time if neither side manage to come up with a winner.

At the other end Barnes latches on to a mistake from a cross and fires in a low shot from an acute angle that Williams gathers in. Thrilling end to this tie.

Bell comes forward as United live on the edge. He scoops his effort towards the back post only for Silvestre to clear.

Richardson, well all of us thought he had won it. You would have put your mortgage on him rolling it into the net. But no, denied by the post. Crewe breathe again.

A double chance for United and Lowe's miscontrol inside his box allows Marsh a free strike on goal. Williams spares his defender's blushes and pulls off a save from point-blank range. Then Richardson, when clean through on goal beats the keeper but finds the upright. The second time his has rattled the goalframe.

The game is stretched now and gaps are opening up. Smith and Richardson dilly and dally inside the Crewe box before Lowe makes a crucial interception.

Crewe are buoyant now pushing back United by creating fine passages of play. Maynard and Varney's link-up has been superb.

What a chance for Crewe! Varney almost gets his second of the night in almost identical circumstances. This time Kuszcak comes off his line and gets enough on it to prevent it from finding the net.

Substitution for Crewe and Lee Bell comes on for Andy Taylor who clashed with David Gray. Gray himself has to go off too with Kieran Lee on for his senior debut.

Varney deserves his goal after a fine display up front. Wes Brown on the other hand has had a shocking match and won't want to see the replay of this game.

Crewe find the quality! Luke Varney jinks his way to the edge of the United box before delivering a stunning low drive through the legs of Wes Brown and beyond the outstretched hand of Kuszcak.

GOAL: CREWE 1-1 MAN UTD: VARNEY

Crewe are fighting and scrapping their way back into the game but have they got the quality to draw level?

Kuszcak is, as he has been all night, alert to another through ball. He slides in to clear the danger.

United wise up to Otsemobor's latest free-kick. Brown heads clear.

Barnes though, is having an impact down the left and getting into some fine positions. It's only a matter of time now before United increase the tempo and put Crewe to the sword.

Smith can't seem to make his mark on the game and his deft flicks aren't coming off at all.

United are coming out second best in the scraps that Crewe are forcing. Whatever Alex Ferguson said at half-time hasn't worked so far.

A good opportunity for Crewe as Brown slips and Varney just fails to connect with Maynard's cross.

A sustained period of pressure for United makes Crewe work for every ball. But boy are they working.

The goals are flying in in the other games but we've just had the solitary strike so far. Mind you, we've had plenty of chances.

Crewe have continued where they left off and Varney fires in a low effort that makes Kuszcak dive low to his left. A sparkling move that United would have been proud of.

Crewe create another fine move and Lowe finds himself at the end of it. Shame for Alex that he ballons his effort into the stands.

Kuszcak had to be aware there as Varney wins a flick-on that Maynard almost latches on to. The keeper rushes out to smother the danger.

More of a scrappy start to the second half with neither team able to control the play.

There's plenty of goals in these two sides. Man Utd are the leading scorers in the Premiership while Crewe are the top scorers in League One.

Barnes gets his first touch and charges down the right wing, comes to nothing though

Crewe kick off

Michael Barnes gets his senior debut aged 18, he comes on for the second half.

Crewe have been no means outplayed and have had the ball in the United net once this half only for the linesman to raise his flag. United's class came through for the one goal of the game as Solskjaer cleanly dispatched a right-wing cross.

HALF-TIME: CREWE 0-1 MAN UTD

Another cross from Lowe whistles through to Kuszcak. Only a touch is required on some of these deliveries for Crewe to equalise.

Crewe's workrate is phenomenal. They're forcing the Premiership stars into uncharacteristic mistakes that is providing the Alex hope.

Crewe are getting a fiar amount of joy down the Man Utd left. Varney again tries to create an opening inside the box but is thwarted on the edge by Heinze.

Richardson is beginning to pull the strings for United now. A lovely threaded pass for Ritchie Jones is wasted by the youngster who doesn't have the pace to skip past Andy Taylor.

More good work from Crewe. Maynard and Varney combine well and Varney jinks his way into a shooting opportunity. Too bad the finish wasn't as neat as the build-up - it's ended up in the car park.

A fine flowing move from United involving Solskjaer and Richardson ends with Ritchie Jones delivering a grass-cutter that is easily gathered in.

Not a bad effort from Richardson. His sweet left foot delivers a curling free-kick over the wall that is gathered low down by Williams.

It's end to end stuff still and as soon as that ball comes over from wide positions, panic reigns amopng the United defence. Varney almost takes advantage of Brown's slip only, but runs out of space in the box and the danger is cleared.

The goal has settled the nerves of United's second-string and Solskjaer is leading the line superbly.

Richardson becomes the first player to have his name taken by the ref. Cynical challenges from behind are sure fire ways to get your name taken, Kieron. No need for complaints there.

But back come Crewe. A neat turn and curling shot inside the left corner of the box by Varney brings a diving save from Kuszcak. What a game!

It's almost two! A sensational volley from Richardson is tipped on to the bar by Williams as United take charge.

David Jones' persistance and low cross from the edge of the box which the Norweigian masterfully dispatches low into the bottom right corner of the net.

GOAL: CREWE 0-1 MAN UNITED: SOLSKJAER

United respond and Solskjaer's sublime control and vision lays in David Jones who drills in his low drive straight at Williams. United's best chance so far.

Another opportunity for Crewe and again it's from a free-kick. A needless foul from Brown gives Lowe the chance to try his luck from 25 yards. It's a decent effort too, dipping just over the bar on to the roof of the net.

High balls are order of the day for Crewe. Whether it's the big boot of keeper Williams or the swinging cross of the wingers. Wes Brown doesn't look too comfortable with the aerial threat posed so far.

What a start that would have been for the Alex. They're dominating now and causing United problems in defence.

Isaac Osbourne's low, skidding drive gives Kuszcak all sorts of problems. Thankfully for him, Varney's rebound that finds the back of the net is chalked off for offside.

DISALLOWED GOAL: CREWE - VARNEY

A bit of needle here as Kieron Richardson throws the ball petulantly towards Maynard who's waiting to take the throw-in. Poor form from the United man.

Maynard stretches his legs and chases down a 50-50 ball with Kuszczak which the United keeper just about wins.

It's a full house at Gresty Road, despite the appalling weather. Mind you, they're used to it in that part of the world.

Long balls like that won't do, Mr Heinze! On this surface it just runs through and gives poor old Ole Solskjaer no chancw of retrieving it.

Neither side have settled yet and possesion is changing hands constantly.

Crewe by no means look overawed by the visit of the Premiership leaders. Mind you, there's not too many of the usual stars on show tonight.

United look to assert some pressure of their own and Solskjaer pokes an effort straight at the keeper Ben Williams after a corner.

A let-off for United who were caught napping in their penalty area. A well-worked free-kick from the hosts.

Ben Rix takes over free-kick duties and almost creates a goal. He swings it into the box and Neil Cox diverts his header goalwards only for Kuszczak to acrobatically tip over the bar. Great chance, great save.

Julian Baudet is the first player to have a crack. His free-kick evades the wall and ends up in the hands of Kuszczak.

Manchester United are in thier changed strip of white shirts and black shorts, with the home side in their normal red shirts and white shorts.

We're underway at Gresty Road.

The teams are out on the rain-soaked pitch. It really is a miserable night in Cheshire. The rain has been bucketing down for the best part of the day and the surface is slippery to say the least.

The teams are in and Sir Alex Ferguson hands teenage duo Phil Marsh and David Gray their senior Manchester United debuts as the Carling Cup holders began the defence of their trophy. Alan Smith makes his first start since suffering an horrific double leg break in February.