An unexpected brace from Everton loan full-back James Yates plus efforts from Dan Udoh & Tommy Lowery proved enough to see off the Tykes in an entertaining match-up.

Barnsley took the lead in the 16th minute, Aidy White getting down the left & crossing for Jacob Brown for fire in.

Crewe battled back & equalised with five minutes through a James Yates thunderbolt. The full-back had only been on the pitch a matter of moments having started on the bench, coming on for the injured Ben Nugent, when he took aim from long distance to level matters.

In a blistering spell of play, Barnsley regained their lead to go 2-1 in front on 26 minutes, Omari Patrick firing home.

The hosts came close to making it 3-1 when hitting the post in the 29th minute, but Crewe went straight down the other end to make it 2-2, remarkably through Yates again, arriving at the back post to tap home a chipped cross.

The opening half hour wasn't finished there however, as straight from the restart, Barnsley again restored their lead, Brown winning the ball back & scoring a superb solo goal.

It looked as though the Tykes would take their advantage into the interval, but Udoh converted moments before the half-time whistle for 3-3 after his previous effort had been tremendously saved.

The second half didn't have the same goal action as the first, but it wasn't through lack of chances, both sides looking far stronger in attack than at the back.

But crucially, the only goal of the second period went the way of Crewe, Tommy Lowery tapping in on 55 minutes for 4-3 & the Alex held on for a much needed three points heading into the Christmas break.

Alex Morris' Under 23's next take to the field on Monday 9 January when they play host to Bolton at Reaseheath.

Crewe: Wardley, Wilkinson, Ray, Nugent (Yates), Bullock, Pickering, Wintle, Lundstram, Ainley (Dale), Lowery, Udoh