The hosts took the lead after just ten minutes as Crewe struggled to get into the game in the opening quarter, the Trotters mugging Crewe of possession before firing across the box for the forward to tap home.

Charlie Kirk levelled it up seven minutes before half-time after a superb Crewe passing move. The play stretched from back-to-front before the winger curled into the corner from the edge of the box.

On the hour mark Tom Lowery put The Alex 2-1 in front. He intercepted a ball before playing in Kirk who ran down the line and cut-back for the midfielder to stroke home.

Crewe continued to impress but were undone five minutes from time from a deep corner-kick that was headed back across the face and then headed over the line to make sure it ended level.

Crewe: Richards, Baillie, Mullarkey, Kearns, Neal, Lowery, Ainley, Howell, Kirk, Saunders, Brown