• The Alex through on penalties
• Agius gets on the scoresheet
• Lenarcik the hero with big save

Crewe Alexandra are through to the second round of the FA Youth Cup thanks to a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Peterborough United.

Calum Agius hit the opening goal as David Vaughan’s side bossed long spells at Mornflake Stadium.

But Posh levelled with nine minutes left and forced extra time.

The sides could not be separated during the added half-an-hour and spot kicks were needed to settle it.

Crewe hit five perfect penalties and keeper Mikolaj Lenarcik made a big save to send his side through.

Under-18s Manager Vaughan will be delighted with the resolve and spirit his players showed on a night that threw up a number of challenges.

He named the likes of Agius, Nathan Robinson and Liam Nolan, who all have first-team experience, in his starting line up.

Agius lit the game up on 12 minutes when he drove into the box and beat keeper Jake West with a smart finish.

Robinson went closest to doubling the Alex lead, and also made a goal-saving intervention at the other end, in an entertaining first 45 minutes.

Luca Moore hit the bar with a cross-shot soon after the restart, and the hosts had a golden chance to seal it with 15 minutes left when Agius earned a penalty.

But when his effort from 12 yards was saved Posh were revitalised.

And, despite being reduced to 10 men when Tyler Winters received a second booking, they hit back when Harley Mills curled home.

There were chances for both sides in extra time. Will Perry, Jordan Hodkin and Rhys Allport saw efforts saved by West, while Lenarcik had to be alert on a couple of occasions at the other end.

Agius, Lucas Sant, Joe Collins, Matty Senior and Jordan Hodkin all scored from the spot.

And when Lenarcik guessed the right way saved JosephToynton’s penalty the celebrations could start.

Crewe: Lenarcik, Dancey, Sant, Senior, Robinson (Jatta), Nolan, Moore (Collins), Agius, Furlong (Hodkin), Allport, Parry (Perry).