Collins' side suffer back-to-back defeats

Crewe Alexandra's Under 21's suffered a third defeat in four games at home to Sheffield United despite controlling the match for long spells.

Given the list of illness, injury and suspensions in the Alex squad, and with an FA Youth Cup game on Wednesday evening, it was a mixed side that took to the field - including a number of players that featured at Crawley on Saturday.

Jon Guthrie & James Baillie started both games, whilst Marcus Haber, James Jones and Callum Saunders came off the bench in West Sussex to start. The side was made up by scholars Joe Kearns and Charlie Kirk who are expected to play against Preston in the FA Youth Cup First Round at Gresty Road on Wednesday night.

The Blades took the lead in the ninth minute, Jamie McDonagh turning the ball home. That lead was doubled on 70 minutes when Ben Whiteman scored. Haber pulled one back after Baillie's shot was saved late on, but it was nothing more than a consolation.

Crewe Alex U21: Scott Shearer, James Baillie, Perry Ng, Jon Guthrie, Joe Kearns, James Jones, John Johnston, Billy Waters, Charlie Kirk, Marcus Haber, Callum Saunders