Crewe: Richards, Johnson, Offord, Lundstram, O'Connor, Green (45), Finney, Lowery, Lynch, Dale, Reilly

Goals: -

Crewe Alexandra Under 23s ended 2018 in disappointing fashion losing their eight game unbeaten run with a 3-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest.

On a positive note, midfielder Paul Green returned to action for 45 minutes for the first time since injuring his knee at Carlisle United in August.

Crewe had been in the game at half-time with the scores locked at 0-0, but two goals in two minutes just after the hour mark by Brennan Johnson & an own goal but Forest in command.

With the Alex chasing another miraculous late comeback, Tyrese Fornah added the host's third in injury time as it wasn't to be for Alex Morris' troops.

The team had won six & drawn two of their last eight in all competitions to move into the top half of the PDL2 after a slow start to the season.

The Under 23 schedule now takes a break for the festive period before resuming with a home clash against Sheffield United on Monday 7 January before being in action again two days later when Nantwich Town come to Gresty Road in the first round proper of the Cheshire Senior Cup.

Click here to view all of the Under 23s fixtures & results.