The Alex took the lead inside the first five minutes thanks to Charlie Kirk’s neat side-foot finish and good team build-up play.

But that good early work was undone as Bolton were gifted a penalty to level the scores, and then put themselves ahead with a terrifc strike from distance just before half-time.

Into the second half and the Alex picked up their game, building pressure on the Trotters’ goal but couldn’t find the elusive equaliser.

Ten minutes from time and The Alex made the telling blow, Kirk fired across the box after a long corner found him at the back post and centre back Jamie Wilkinson was on hand to tap home.

With the momentum, Crewe tried to grab a winner late on but the final whistle beat them to the punch and the game ended level.

Crewe: Harrison, Quinn, Dowsett (Woodcock, 45), Wilkinson, Neal, Lowery, Finney, Ainley, Dale, Kirk, Higham (Whalley, 65)