- Jackson's side come from behind twice to take three points at Burnley
- Connor Evans nets a hat-trick
- New signings Ryan Finnigan and David Amoo get first minutes
Connor Evans' hat-trick and Callum Ainley's free-kick ensure Mike Jackson's Under-21 side brought the points back to South Cheshire.
Jackson was able to award new signings Amoo and Finnigan with their first lot of minutes after Saturday's postponement against Stockport County.
It was the U21s first Professional Development League fixture in 2023 and it didn't disappoint.
The home side took an early advantage through Kade Ratchford and then again whenMarcel Lewis slotted the ball into the back of the net in the 37th minute to double the lead.
Crewe’s Joel Tabiner shot straight at Denis Franchi was saved easily by the Claret stopper.
Photo courtesy of Burnley FC
It wasn't a quiet afternoon for David Richards, who on numerous occasions produced wonderful saves to keep the score from increasing for the hosts.
He stopped Ne-Jai Tucker and Lewis on two seperate chances.
Before the interval, Jackson's side got to grips with the conditions and got themselves back into the game through Evans, who converted cooly from the spot.
The young forward grabbed his second to level the contest up when he rounded Franchi and passed the ball into an empty net.
With the scores now even and the second half underway, it was time for Crewe to take the game to Burnley.
However, the Clarets regained the lead when Thompson tapped in the rebound from Richards' diving save.
It was Burnley's stopper who was quickly called into action as his high boot on an onrushing Crewe forward left the referee no option but to award a free-kick and show Franchi a red card.
Photo courtesy of Burnley FC
With the home side down to 10, Crewe's number 10, Callum Ainley picked up the ball after another free-kick was given and struck the ball superbly past substitute ‘keeper Lewis Forshaw from range.
As the clock continued to count down, Evans managed to get himself into the Burnley box before being brought down by Dodgson and the referee pointed to the spot. Like he did earlier on in the game, Evans stepped up to complete his hat-trick, and secure the Railwaymen all three points.
Burnley: Franchi, Williams, Ward (C), Turner, Dodgson, Torraj, Davies, Ratchford (Forshaw 57'), Lewis, Tucker, Thompson (Vaughan 81')
Unused subs: Trialist, Sweeney, McCullough
Crewe Alexandra: Richards (C), Bhatti, Trialist, Tabiner, Kempster-Down, Crolla (Sant 44'), Amoo (O.Finney 45'), Finnigan (Woodcock 66'), Evans, Ainley(Webster 66'), Holicek
Unused subs: Flint