Alex Morris' Crewe Alexandra Under 23s dug in to grind out a hugely impressive 2-1 victory at Leeds United in the Professional Development League 2.

Oliver Finney struck a first half brace at Thorp Arch as Crewe conceded once but weathered the storm in the second period to seal a third straight league victory.

Finney's first goal on 22 minutes was a joy to behold as he controlled Paul Green's pass into the area, lifted it onto his left foot & hammered a shot across goal into the far corner.

Green hit the post from a flowing counter-attack with 34 on the clock, but moments later Finney was brought down in the box for an Alex penalty.

He picked himself up and sent the Leeds goalkeeper the wrong way, coolly dispatching the penalty to give Crewe a 2-0 advantage at the interval.

It was backs to the wall for much of the second half with Leeds mounting attacking after attack & Crewe struggling to keep hold of the ball.

The pressure told in the 71st minute when Ryan Edmondson fed Robbie Gotts via a deflection in the box & he stabbed past the onrushing Dave Richards.

Leeds kept pushing in the final 15 minutes but Crewe were holding firm and the Alex actually had the better of it inside the final five minutes, keeping possession to alleviate the pressure.

Oli Finney actually had the best chance for either side in the closing moments, the Leeds goalkeeper making a good save to deny him his hat-trick.

But it was another victory for Alex Morris & his troops after wins against Colchester & Sheffield Wednesday, with Watford at the Alexandra Stadium next up for the U23s.

Crewe: Richards, Djalo, Johnson, Offord, Adebisi, Lundstram, Griffiths, Green, Finney, Ainley, Heath

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