In advance of Tuesday evening's Carling Cup meeting with Crewe Alexandra, YNWA looks at our previous cup meetings with the Railwaymen, which have so far resulted in four convincing wins. We also take a brief look at their other visits to Anfield.

Digger's treble
John Barnes bagged a hat-trick, including a penalty, as we won 4-0 at Gresty Road in an FA Cup Third Round tie in January 1992 as we set off towards Wembley glory, in what was our most recent first-class meeting. This remains our latest FA Cup hat-trick away from home, while Steve McManaman netted the other goal.

Rushie nabs a hat-trick
We faced Crewe in the Second Round of the League Cup in September 1990, with Ian Rush grabbing a brace, with Steve McMahon, Gary Gillespie and Ray Houghton also scoring as we won the first leg 5-1 at Anfield. Rush then bagged a treble in our 4-1 away win in the return leg in October, with Steve Staunton also scoring. These two defeats of the Alex were the only victories we ever enjoyed in our green and white Adidas away kit.

Entertaining the Alex
We triumphed 6-1 in a Second Division encounter in October 1895, with George Allan, Fred Geary and Jimmy Ross all netting twice each, with these being Geary's first reds strikes. We had also won nineteen months earlier, this time 2-0 on our way to the Second Division title. Douglas Dick and Hugh McQueen struck as forward Gerald Dewhurst made his only reds appearance.

Wartime visits
Berry Nieuwenhuys scored a hat-trick as we won 7-1 on New Year's Day 1940. Billy Liddell, G. Leadbetter, Matt Busby and Len Carney were also on target that day.

Cyril Done struck a treble in February 1944, as we trounced the Railwaymen 8-0. Jackie Campbell added a brace with Jack Balmer, Billy Liddell and R. Beattie also on target. However, we were beaten 4-1 seven months later, with Harry Eastham bagging our consolation.