Crewe Alexandra Under 18's drew 1-1 with Crystal Palace at Reaseheath to continue their solid start to the season.
After an opening day victory at Coventry City, Lee Bell's side welcomed Palace to Cheshire hoping for another positive return.
First year defender Jamie Wrench put Crewe ahead as early as the sixth minute, sweeping home from close range from a low Joe Robbins cross following a corner situation.
The tide turned five minutes before the break. A lapse at the back put Crewe under pressure & it took a block on the line to stop Palace equalising.
Unfortunately for Matt Fenton, the referee spotted his goal line clearance was made with his hand - subsequently awarding a penalty & producing a straight red card to the Alex centre half.
The Eagles striker tucked away the spot-kick to level matters going into half-time.
As expected, the visitors dominated the ball after the break with the man advantage, but Crewe defended resolutely throughout, restricting them to few chances.
The solidity of that second half showing fully merited a share of the spoils as Bell's side made it four points from two games.
Next up is a trip to Bristol City on Saturday 1 September at 11am
Crewe: Booth, Wrench, Fenton, Hartshorn, Goodrich, Odipe (Djallo), Robbins, Heath, Adebisi (Allen), Onyeka (Priestman), Linton