Crewe Alexandra’s youth team progressed to the third round of the FA Youth Cup thanks to a deserved 2-0 extra-time win over Grimsby Town. In the end, Lee Bell’s side took their chances in the second half of extra time through forward Tyreece Onyeka and substitute Joe Levey.

The Alex finally broke down Grimsby’s resolve with two superbly taken finishes from Onyeka after he cleverly raced in behind to place a low drive past Hugo Banks in the visitors goal. It was a fine finish from the Crewe number 10 and made Grimsby have to chase the tie.

Substitute Levery sealed our deserved passage into the third round and a home tie against Barnsley with a fine drive from 25 yards. His accurate shot on 110 minutes defeated Banks and put Crewe comfortably in control in the tie.

Both goalkeepers were on top form to keep it goalless until the extra period with the Alex goalkeeper Andrew Walklate making a crucial save to deny Grimsby’s number 10 Brandon McPherson in a one-on-one situation after he was slipped through by Luis Adlard. The score was goalless at the time.

The busier Banks made fine saves to deny captain Joe Robbins and from substitute Matt McDonald after Kyle Stubbs produced a fantastic cut-back from a deep cross.

Crewe had chances to score again and put the icing on the cake but Banks again produced a good save to deny Joe Tabinor in the final minute of extra time.  

Over 300 fans turned up in cold conditions and we can only thank them for the tremendous support.