Crewe Alexandra's second string travelled to Aston Villa today for a behind closed doors friendly and despite putting up a good fight, are travelling home on the wrong side of a 3-2 score line.

An entertaining game against a strong Aston Villa side saw Mat Mitchel-King come through 90 minutes unscathed, whilst Steve Schumacher featured for 45 minutes again without further injury problems.On the scoresheet were Danny Shelley with a well taken header for his second goal in two reserve outings, whilst Kelvin Mellor grabbed a consolation second with a half volley.

It was a good workout for the fringe players and those coming back from injury, with a possible penalty appeal, great chances and a good spirit.

The line up was as follows; Adam Legzdins, Chris Clements, Mat Mitchel-King, Harry Davis, Danny Shelley, Carl Martin, Kelvin Mellor, Steven Schumacher, Danny Gardner, Alex Titchiner, Luke Murphy, with a bench of young scholars Oli Turton, Jason Oswell, Danny Ting, Joe O'Sullivan