Crewe's under 18's undefeated run came to an end this afternoon to a visiting Liverpool side despite taking the lead early in the second half in some horrendous weather conditions.

It was a very even playing field between the two sides but the strength and build of the Liverpool side proved too much for our youngsters to handle.

The first ten minutes were quiet with both sides having half chances that were eventually cleared by the opposing side, Crewe had a great chance thanks to Charlie Ager who sent in a great cross from the edge of the box but the Liverpool defence were waiting to clear the ball. Not long after Josh Thompson made a good run giving Ben Marshall a chance to give the home side the lead. Liverpool fought back on the counter attack but some good defending provided Thompson with another great run down field and a real test for the Liverpool keeper who saved Thompson shot from inside the box. Minutes later Liverpool had a fine shot hit the post to show just how close the two teams were.

Thompson had ample opportunities in the first half to secure the lead, striker Josh Thompson having another good chance as he chased a ball downfield only to see his effort sail inches past the top corner. He followed it up with a great ball from Chris Clements through midfield but again the Liverpool stopper was on form to send the ball over the crossbar. Liverpool replied with a good effort that just sailed past the post.

Crewe were on the edge of their seats as a cross across their box somehow dodged the feet of the crowded box, it wasn't over though as they picked up the lose ball sending it back into the penalty area for Crewe's young trialist keeper to pull off a fantastic save.

As half time approached James Bailey sent a great ball down field to Matt Tootle for a great opportunity as he crossed the ball into the box only for the keeper to beat Crewe's waiting players to the ball.

The second half proved to be a little more interesting as just after kick off Ben Marshall set up Josh Thompson with a great ball that he laid in the box for AJ Leitch-Smith who's effort was saved. They carried on with the fight though and minutes later as Josh Thompson picked up a great ball from Ashley Westwood 30 yards out and took it towards goal. Liverpool's young keeper came out of hit net but the skilful Thompson took the ball around the stopper and with his defender chasing him coolly took the ball across the goal mouth and slotted it home effortlessly.

The lead wasn't to last though as Luke Danville found himself penalised against soon after and a penalty was awarded, Liverpool took it well and it proved to be the equaliser.

Less then 10 minutes later and the visitors took the lead. Nathan Bancroft committed a small foul near the side-line and a very well taken free kick was sent into the box, hitting the heads of waiting Liverpool players and the ball hit the back of the net.

Some tactically changes from James Collins brought on Luke Murphy and Matt Lund but it wasn't enough to bring them back on level terms. Ashley Westwood took a free kick from the half way line, Luke Murphy heading the ball into the path of Leitch-Smith who tried his shot from just outside the box only to see it fantastically saved. Murphy again played his part in an attempt on goal as he sent the ball down to Josh Thompson, who despite getting his foot to the ball couldn't do enough to keep the goalkeeper away.

Crewe tried to pull something back, making every effort to set up a goal. Matt Lund trying his luck from 30 yards, but it dipped over the crossbar - a good attempt that only just missed the goal. As the game was drawing to a close Liverpool sealed the victory as they sent a cross into the box, as Crewe failed to fully clear the effort and Liverpool sent a shot in which Crewe keeper stood no chance of stopping and it powered into the bottom corner. As the whistle came in sight, Crewe pushed up and attacked but couldn't successfully pull it back, and they crashed to their first defeat in three games.

Team: Daniel Platt, Charlie Ager (Luke Murphy), Matt Tootle, Ashley Westwood, Nathan Bancroft, Luke Danville, Ben Marshall (Matt Lund), James Bailey, Josh Thompson (Alex Titchener), AJ Leitch-Smith, Chris Clements