Connor Heath scored Crewe Alexandra’s only goal as the youngsters struggled to a 4-1 defeat to ten man Barnsley.

The Oakwell training pitch was the venue for the Alex youngsters where they got off to a shaky start. Barnsley were unfortunate not to take the lead within the opening ten minutes after Romal Palmer struck the post whilst team mate Dylan Mottley-Henry clipped an effort just wide.

Despite the early troubles, Crewe would take the lead courtesy of Connor Heath. His edge of the box strike was too much for opposition goalkeeper Jack Walton.

The home side would finally capitalise on the opportunities they were creating and equalised before half-time. Callum Styles scored a stunning free-kick only four minutes after going behind.

After the break the Railwaymen would find themselves behind early on from yet another free-kick. With the ball entering the six yard area at an awkward height, Sam Booth couldn’t prevent Sam Fielding from giving the hosts the lead.

In a bizarre twist, the Oakwell natives would find themselves down to ten men immediately after the third goal after midfielder Palmer received his second yellow card of the match.

With a man advantage, Crewe would begin to assert themselves but their effort would be in vain. The Alex were cruelly caught out at the back as Patrick Schmidt would run through one-on-one with Booth and calmly slot it past the Crewe keeper.

The misery would be compiled as Styles would pick up his second and Barnsley’s fourth of the game to finish off a younger than usual Crewe side.

Defeat means that Crewe have dropped out of the top two spots with Burnley taking over second spot having played a game more.