Crewe: Booth, Djalo (Allen, 89), Woodthorpe, Adebisi (c), Hartshorn, Fenton, Lokko (Odipe, 78), Robbins, Linton (Green, 90), Heath, Onyeka
Goals: Heath (40), Linton, 90
Crewe Alexandra Under 18s lost out 4-2 at home to Birmingham City, despite playing really well at Reaseheath.
Connor Heath & Malachi Linton were on target for Lee Bell's side, but the Blues struck on four occasions to record all three points in the PDL2.
The Blues took the lead from the penalty spot after Matty Fenton was adjudged to have fouled the stirker. His #9 strike partner sent Sam Booth the wrong way, coolly slotting into the corner.
The Alex were controlling the tempo of the game & struck back to equalise five minutes shy of the break through Heath. Joe Robbin's clever ball caught out the defence & Heath rounded the onrushing goalkeeper just inside the box before striking low into the empty net.
The Blues retook the lead early in the second half, the left-winger cutting into the box before smashing a shot straight down the middle, outfoxing an unsighted Booth.
A swift counter-attack exteded City's lead. With Crewe pushing men forward, the visitors won the ball on the edge of their own box, and two passes later the ball was in the net - albeit from a superb low finish from the edge of the box.
Birmingham made it 4-1 immediately from the kick-off, Crewe losing possession & Birmingham worked the ball forward for the left winger to dance into the box again & find the corner with a low placed shot.
Malachi Linton headed a consolation goal from close range as the clock ticked 90, but despite a positive performance, the Alex were defeated.