Collins' side lose out in friendly contest

An experienced Crewe Alexandra Under 21 side lost 1-0 in a friendly at Blackburn thanks to a goal from former Alex man Luke Varney.

After missing out on a game at the weekend and without a scheduled U21 league fixture, Steve Davis was keen for his side to get some match action ahead of this weekend's trip to Scunthorpe United and sent a strong-looking side to Rovers.

Both sides had chances in a close contest, but it was Varney's header that won the game for the home side in what proved to be a good workout for both teams.

Crewe Alex U21: Scott Shearer, Matt Tootle, Perry Ng, Alan Tate, Jon Guthrie, James Baillie, Chris Atkinson, Liam Nolan, James Jones, Marcus Haber, Lauri Dalla Valle