Bristol City's under-23s take the points to go top of the Professional Development League.
Lee Bell’s first game in charge ends in disappointment as Bristol City dominate a young Crewe team with two goals either side of half-time.
Crewe's line-up was disrupted by the late pull out of Connor Salisbury who felt a tweak in the warm-up.
The Robins were quick out of the blocks and gained the upper hand early on with their first chance coming just three minutes in. Sam Bell cut the ball back to Josh Owers but his effort went just past the post.
City were able to get a lot of joy out of their right-hand side with Tommy Conway steering his effort wide of Tom Booth’s goal. On the 14th minute mark, Conway was able to get on the end of a deep cross, but his header lacked direction and didn’t trouble Booth.
However, City’s continuous pressure paid off as Sam Bell showed off his brilliant tricks inside the penalty area before being brought down by Madger Gomes leaving the referee no option but to point to the penalty spot. The subsequent penalty was then converted by Tommy Conway for his first of the game.
Bristol’s second came in the 22nd minute as Ayman Benarous took on his man and found enough space to play Conway through. Conway was then able to beat Booth and slot it into the bottom corner to double the visitors lead.
Crewe struggled to find any rhythm in the opening 45 minutes of the game and failed to test Wiles-Richards.
With the visitors up by two at the break it took just three minutes after the restart to add another to their lead. A long-range shot from outside the box was saved well by Booth, who produced another wonderful save, but the rebound was smashed into the back of the net by Benarous.
Crewe tried to play around the stubborn City defence when Charlie Finney set free Tyreece Onyeka, but the forward was denied by the onrushing Bristol City stopper.
Conway completed his hat-trick in the 68th minute. The Alex switched off as the corner was played short leaving Conway enough time to get across his man and flick his shot past Booth.
Lee Bell’s side now look forward to facing Coventry City on Tuesday 29 March.
Crewe: T.Booth, Bhatti, Sant, Gomes, Billington (Robinson 66'), Lawton, Onyeka, C.Finney (Kassanda 71'), Wood, Woodcock, Nolan.
Unused Sub: S.Booth