Crewe Alexandra secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Harrogate Town AFC in their EFL Trophy match, with the decisive goal coming early in the first half. Notably, Crewe's goal was scored at the 29th minute, which underscored the home team's ability to capitalize on early pressure. Despite the low scoreline, Crewe's early lead allowed them to adopt a more controlled strategy throughout the game, managing the tempo effectively and preventing Harrogate from finding a foothold.

Statistical factors played a significant role in determining the outcome of the match. For instance, the home team's discipline was evident, as they committed no offsides and received no bookings. Such discipline likely contributed to maintaining their defensive solidity and organizational structure, making it difficult for Harrogate to create clear-cut chances. On the other hand, Harrogate, with a single registered offside and no cautionary cards, struggled to find the breakthrough, suggesting a less incisive attack and perhaps a more cautious approach in their forward play.

Set pieces were not a prominent feature in this contest, as reflected by the low number of corner kicks. Crewe won three corners compared to Harrogate's two, indicating limited effectiveness from wide areas or dead-ball situations. This perhaps points to a midfield battle, where Crewe’s midfield might have outperformed Harrogate’s, allowing them to transition effectively without relying heavily on set pieces. Overall, the match’s outcome was a testament to Crewe Alexandra's early initiative, disciplined play, and their ability to maintain tactical control, while Harrogate struggled to make a significant impact offensively.

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