Lee Bell's Crewe Alexandra Under 18's battled to a 2-2 draw at Nottingham Forest to back up their comprehensive victory over Leeds the previous week.

Striker Challis Johnson notched a brace in the draw in the East Midlands in between of an opener and leveller for the hosts.

Forest took the lead early in the first half, a mix-up at the back with an Alex defender hitting a clearance against his own man, allowing the Notts striker in for a one-on-one & low finish past Sam Booth.

But Crewe levelled swifty, Joe Lynch delivering a wonderfully weighted free kick from deep to the near post for Johnson to steer a header into the top corner.

Before the half-time whistle blew, Crewe took the opportunity to take the lead. Johnson chased Travis Johnson's inch perfect long ball over the top to smash in low past the keeper first time.

Due to Under 23 committments for some of the side, Bell was forced into a triple substitution at half-time and that affected the flow of the game, with Forest stepping up their attacking threat.

Despite Crewe defending well for large periods, the equaliser did eventually come in the second period when a quickly taken free-kick from inside the Notts half set the striker away down the right. Despite the tight angle, the forward managed to squeeze the ball home to beat the onrushing Booth who came well out of his goal.

The coaches reflected on a fair result, that could've been won, but were happy with a point at a traditionally tough academy side to face.

Crewe: Booth, T.Johnson (Barlow), Manuel, Fenton, Adebisi, Harrison, Offord (Odipe), Hurst, Lynch (Heath), Lomas, C.Johnson