Crewe Alexandra's youth boys gained some local pride this morning with a well fought 1-0 victory over Stoke City thanks to a well taken penalty from midfielder Chris Clements.

A strong Stoke City side played the first half of the game with a slight edge over our under 18 stars, almost taking the lead within minutes of the start of the game only to see their effort cry wide of the post. Minutes later Chris Clements struck a fine free kick from near the half way line straight to Tom Lappin's head but the attempt was easy for the City keeper. Not distracted though, they quickly took the ball down the other end of the field where Crewe stopper Jack Baker pulled off a fantastic save.

Some good play between Clements and striker Josh Thompson provided an opportunity to for Crewe to take the lead but it wasn't to be, this was only enhanced minutes later that saw another shot from Thompson fall wide of the goal.

Stoke were not without their chances though as they also saw chances sail over the crossbar, Clements was penalised for a foul just outside the box but Stoke sent the strike clear over the goal mouth. Keeper Jack Baker pulled off further great saves to keep Crewe in the game including a penalty when Ben McHugh fouled just inside the box. It was a great chance for the visitors to take the lead but Baker saved the initial strike and Stoke's nominated penalty taker sent the rebound wide.

The game continued with numerous chances at either end of the field, and the two sides went into the break on a 0-0 score line.

Chris Clements and Josh Thompson continued their link-up play into the second half incorporating AJ Leith-Smith to give Crewe a cracking chance to take the lead only for the Stoke defenders to clear the ball, Luke Murphy also saw a shot go too high for the target.

With just under 20 minutes left to play Ashley Westwood sent Thompson downfield with a great pass and as he ran into the box, Stoke's defender was caught out with a handball and the referee made no hesitation in pointing to the penalty spot. Chris Clements stepped up and coolly slotted the ball into the left hand corner of the goal.

The goal gave Crewe spirit as they continued the game the stronger side with many more chances to extend their lead, but with the final whistle approaching Stoke stepped up their game and applied some pressure, with Ben McHugh taken off with a hamstring injury and all their substitutes used Crewe battled on with 10 men, but Stoke still couldn't push on and the home side got themselves another victory to continue their unbeaten run.

Crewe: Jack Baker, Luke Danville, Matt Tootle, Ashley Westwood, Tom Lappin, Ben McHugh, Matt Lund (Ben Marshall), Luke Murphy, Josh Thompson, Chris Clements, AJ Leitch-Smith (Theo Stair)