First Years scholars bullied by physical Blues
Crewe Alexandra Under 18's suffered a 4-1 defeat a their bogey side Birmingham City, a fixture which they lost 6-1 last season before ending the season above the Blues in the league table.
On the back of many second year scholars being need for U23 duty, Kenny Lunt was forced to field a side made up mainly of 16-year-old first year scholars.
The Blues, made up of many highly physical 18-year-olds, edged themselves in front during the first half to go 1-0 up.
The hosts went from strength to strength in the second period and took full control, adding a further three goals before Lewis Reilly converted a penalty after Luke Walley was fouled to notch a Crewe consolation.
Reilly hit the bar with a free-kick within minutes of the full time whistle, but Kenny’s young side will have to gain valuable experience and learn from the tough encounter.
Crewe: Wardley, Barlow, Sass-Davies, Manuel, Johnson, Offord, Harrison, Lynch, Griffiths, Walley, Reilly
Watch all the goals from Birmingham v Crewe below