- Minutes for Robertson, Amoo and Richards
- Holicek returns from hamstring injury
- Early Evans missed penalty didn't help Crewe's hunt for three points
Crewe Alexandra were able to start with David Richards, Sean Robertson and David Amoo ahead of their Professional Development League clash with Bristol City on Monday afternoon at Alexandra Park.
After completing his rehabilitation from a hamstring injury, Matus Holicek was back part of the Under-21 setup.
The Alex had the opportunity of leapfrogging Barnsley into 6th but a defeat to Bristol City hindered their chances.
Not long after kick-off, Connor Evans put immediate pressure on Josey Casa-Grande and Crewe's number nine on the day beat the Bristol City 'keeper to the ball and the referee pointed to the spot.
Evans stepped up, sending the 'keeper the wrong way but it clipped the outside of the post and wide of the goal.
Despite having the best opportunity of the game, Crewe started to become under pressure. Billington made a vital block inside the penalty area and then Omar Taylor-Clarke lifted his effort over the top of Richards goal.
On his return, Holicek certainly didn't lack sharpness. His driving run from the halfway line allowed him to get a shot away, which unfortunately, was deflected into the hands of Casa-Grande.
An entertaining half ended with Marlee Francois notching the opener from close-range which Richards stood no chance with.
Looking for a similar start to the second half as the first, Jackson introduced Nathan Robinson and Rhys Allport for Amoo and Robertson.
However this wasn't meant to be as Crewe were hit with a sucker-punch when Elijah Morrison double the visitors' lead in the 52nd minute.
Evans had a couple of shots which he saw blocked numerous times inside the box.
Intricate play by Owen Lunt and Holicek ended with the latter smashing a right-footed strike just off target with a couple of minute remaining on the clock.