Crewe Alexandra's youngsters kept hold of some bragging rights at the weekend as our under 18's side grabbed a point in a 1-1 draw with local rivals Stoke City.

It was a game of few chances, but a game that Crewe Alexandra could have edged in the dying minutes after Jon Stephens put it back on level terms despite going a goal behind mid-way through the first half.

The game started lively and Stoke City had a clear height advantage over our youngsters, but Neil Critchley's boys withstood any pressure they were put under.

It was a level playing field for much of the first half of the game, but it was Crewe who came close to opening the scoring when Joe O'Sullivan skimmed the crossbar. However, an opening goal from Stoke City gave our visitors an advantage. 34 minutes in and a volley at the left post caught Crewe unawares and before anyone could react, the ball had crossed the line and was in the back of the net.

Crewe's spirits were not dampened and the boys pushed on to get that equalising goal. It didn't take long and minutes later, O'Sullivan was once again involved in the build up play as first year professional Danny Shelley delivered a fantastic ball into the box. Unfortunately the efforts weren't rewarded and danger was cleared.

Just before half time and the scores were back level. After a scare in their own box, the Alex retaliated on a counter attack. Shelley picked out Jon Stephens with a through ball down the middle of the park, and the youngster kept his cool to take it around two defenders, with a third chasing him, and slot it past the City stopper. It was a much deserved goal for the Alex.

Heading into the second half and the chances were once again limited as each side played a good level of football and held their defensive positions well. As the final whistle was in sight though, O'Sullivan had a good chance to take the lead after 75 minutes of play, hitting the crossbar with a 35-yard strike. Another chance prevailed, with minutes left on the clock, substitute Matt Freeman wasted arguably the best chance of the game when just yards out he had the keeper to beat only to see his shot cleared.

The youngsters were unlucky in the end not to have taken the victory, but boss Neil Critchley will be pleased with the effort from the boys, having gone a goal down to have fought back and finished the game the stronger side.

Crewe Team: Dan Platt, Cheyenne Dunkley,  Harry Davis, Jon Stephens (Matt Freeman), Chris Peel (Andy White), Danny Shelley, Sean Cooke (Harry Clayton), Chris Rowntree, Alex Titchiner, Jason Oswell, Joe O'Sullivan

Hear what coach Neil Critchley had to say on the game on Crewe Alex Player later in the week.