Crewe Alexandra Under-18's slipped to defeat at Everton in the FA Premier Academy League on Saturday.
Following the FA Youth Cup heroics at Oldham Athletic in midweek, Steve Holland's side couldn't manage a victory at the Toffee's training ground, as they went down to a single goal defeat against the Merseyside outfit.
Steve Holland made four changes to the side that won 5-3 at Boundary Park on Wednesday, as goalkeeper Craig Ellison and top scorer Byron Moore, both of whom were ineligible for the Youth Cup, returned to the team. He also gave AJ Leitch-Smith, who made a huge impact as a substitute in that game, a chance to start the game up front in place of Amari Morgan-Smith, whilst Nathan Bancroft came in at centre back ahead of Russell Courtney.
However Everton, without a win so far this season, looked to determined to register their first three points in a game which was completely ruined by the horrendous conditions.
Blustery winds meant passing football was at a premium, and after a goalless first half, it was the hosts who nicked all three points.
The Alex are next in action on Saturday as they entertain West Browmich Albion.
Team: Craig Ellison; Ashley Westwood, Nathan Bancroft, Thomas Lappin, Junior Brown; AJ Leitch-Smith (sub Amari Morgan-Smith), James Bailey, Luke Murphy, Chris Clements; Byron Moore (sub Marcus Calvert), Nick Farquharson (sub Dexter Ravenhill)
Subs (Not Used): Russell Courtney, Ben McHugh
