Steve Davis' mix-and-match side held to draw at non-league Leek Town
Leek Town 1-1 Crewe AlexandraCrewe Alex: Garratt, Mullarkey, Kearns, Ng, Audel, Jones (Howell, 70), Nolan, Cooper (Johnston, 64), Waters, Molyneux, Oliver (Saunders, 60).
Unused Subs: Prichard-Ellis, Shearer, Brown.
Goals: Oliver, 37
An experimental Crewe Alexandra side were held to a 1-1 draw by Leek Town in the latest pre-season test despite an early goal of the season contender from Vadaine Oliver.
Steve Davis opted to field a side mainly filled with first year pro’s and scholars and will have been pleased with the valuable experience gained from his young side.
Chances were few and far between in the first 45, but Oliver produced the moment of magic on 37 minutes, picking up the ball on the bounce on the angle from 35-yards, before nonchalantly rifling in with enough pace and power to leave the keeper bewildered.
Billy Waters and George Cooper both had chances to extend the Alex’s lead before the break, but found goalkeeper Ben Chapman in their way on both occasions.
Leek started the second period on the front foot and it was substitute Liam Shotton who restored parity on 53 minutes. He took advantage of a lapse in concentration from youngster Joe Kearns to outmuscle the full-back and rifle home an unstoppable drive from just inside the box.
Both sides pushed for a winner, with Shotton coming close again for the home side and Waters twice testing Chapman, but neither side was able to force the winner.