A dominant display from Alex Morris’ side saw the U23s take all three points in a 2-0 victory over Colchester United.

Alex Morris fielded a strong side on Monday afternoon, as his u23s welcomed Colchester United to the Weaver Stadium. Luke Offord returned to action after a sustained period of time in the treatment room, alongside Stephen Walker, Antony Evans and Travis Johnson who were all named in the starting XI too.

A fine goal from Walker gave the Alex the lead after 23 minutes, before a delightful second half free kick from Evans doubled the Reds’ lead.

The opening stages of the first half saw the Alex control possession, with Walker coming close early on. Not long after Crewe’s dominance finally prevailed, breaking the deadlock on 23 minutes. A loose clearance from the U’s defence sat well for Walker to strike on the volley and into the roof of the net.

Before that, Tyreece Onyeka appeared to be brought down inside the penalty area and despite claims from everyone in red, the referee waved away appeals and pointed for a corner kick.

Crewe should have made it two just before the interval as Johnson surged down the right and after crossing a delightful pass to the far post, Charlie Finney couldn’t quite squeeze his attempt over the line. Meanwhile, the visitors immediately rushed up the opposite end and forced Sam Booth into a smart save with his feet to keep the Alex lead intact. It was the U’s first effort at goal.

The second half started with two early opportunities for either side, the visitors had Booth scrambling across his line but to his relief the ball went wide of target. Meanwhile, Johnson got in behind the lines, but his low-driven strike whistled past the post.

The Alex doubled their lead just after the hour mark, a superb free kick from Evans saw his 25-yard strike clip the crossbar on its way in. A goal which was applauded by the small minority in attendance.

Later, Booth was forced into two smart saves to keep the scores level, before Morris made his first substitutions of the encounter. Levey and Marsden replaced Offord and Robbins.

The final 10 minutes saw Johnson and Walker come close, as they both found space on the right, but the U’s stopper was equal to either effort on both occasions.

A fine display from a strong Alex side made it two wins from their last two outings, as they look to take this form into their next fixture away at Hull City.