David Vaughan says there are lessons to learn after Crewe Alexandra were knocked out of the FA Youth Cup at Arsenal.

The young Reds travelled to Boreham Wood to face the might of the Gunners in the Third Round on Saturday evening.

And they led 1-0 at the break thanks to a Liam Nolan strike.

But the hosts, inspired by the goals of Ethan Nwaneri who became the youngest Premier League player in history last year, roared back to win 7-1.

Under-18s Manager Vaughan said: “It was a true game of two halves.

“We were really good in the first half, both in and out of possession. The lads were disciplined with their shape and handled the ball well under pressure.

“We executed the gameplan and were able to create a few chances.  

“But we had a poor start to the second half and conceded two early goals which gave Arsenal momentum.

“We couldn’t handle their physicality. They have good players and we struggled to cope. We looked a bit leggy and didn’t look after the ball well enough.

“It’s a learning curve for us all and we were disappointed at the end. Once we went a couple of goals down we saw heads drop and that’s an important thing for the players to learn from and develop.

“Nobody wants to get beaten 7-1 but in the long run it can do some good for some of the players.”

Crewe beat Peterborough United on penalties in the opening round, and then dispatched Boldmere St Michaels in the Second Round.