Crewe Alexandra Under 18's ended a four game run without a win with a hard-fought 2-1 home success over Barnsley.

Goals from Matt Fenton & Alex Hurst put the Alex in a commanding position, before the Tykes set-up a nervy finish by pulling one back late on.

Fenton had Crewe 1-0 up at the break, heading in Luke Walsh's right-wing free-kick from close range.

That became two after the break when a corner was recycled back to original taker Walsh, who crossed low from the right for Hurst to force home at the back post.

On a boggy pitch, Crewe remained in control until the final minutes of the game when Barnsley's push for a route back into the game proved fruitful, a fast move down the centre of the pitch resulting in a low finish into the corner from ten yards.

Despite the late strike, Crewe held on to record victory for the first time since an FA Youth Cup Second Round victory over Evesham in November.

Crewe: Booth, T.Johnson, Manuel, Fenton, Barlow, Offord, Griffiths, Lynch, Walsh, Hurst, Lomas (Heath)