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Collins Commends Under 18's Spirit
Crewe Alexandra is always happy to welcome back old faces in new roles if not as a player, former hit man James Collins
is back with the club, assisting Steve Holland and another old face Neil Critchley in managing our renowned Academy.
Last weekend the under 18's side travelled to Premiership side Newcastle United in a game that saw them go down 2-0 and
an eventful incident involving Junior Brown being red-carded. James says the game was inspiring, the boys showing the initiative
to react well to a situation that goes against them.
James says: "It was a funny game, a long trip for us, and then after five minutes Junior Brown gets sent off and it's all
back against the wall to add to some poor results.
"Having said that the boys actually did really well, they responded well, we went 4-4-1 and they worked their socks off
and in the end. I think we probably deserved more from the game than to lose 2-0."
Junior's red card came about after a bad reaction to a tackle saw him grounded, but looking back James says he is sorry
for his actions.
Collins told crewealex.net: "Junior has apologised because it was a silly reaction to a tackle, which he felt at the time
he was in the right, but he wasn't and the lads ended up in a bit of trouble, but they came out of it really well."
Life as a goalkeeper is a weird one, many people believe that keeping a clean sheet is the sign of a good stopper but after
his performance on Saturday at Newcastle youngster Craig Ellison deserves some praise.
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Craig Ellison pulled off some excellent saves at Newcastle
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James said: "Craig Ellison was excellent to be fair. Both goalkeepers Jack Baker and Craig have done really well at times,
but then made mistakes at other times, that's just the life of a goalkeeper. They are both excellent goalkeepers, and Saturday
was one of Craig's best games, a really excellent game and he kept us in it at times."
Dario, Steve and all other members of staff that work with the Academy are very often sending our young guns for experience,
and James knows how beneficial it is with the club aiming more at that than gaining results, so playing some of the under
16's in a game with the older academy boys is something they do very often.
James tells us: "It's good for the young boys to be playing, at the end of the season, we have a lot of players on loan,
which probably doesn't suit us getting results but suits us on the long run with the first team.
"It is a good standard playing for the under 18's but at some point the boys have to go out and see what it is like to
play out in the real world. Nick Farquarharson and Amari Morgan-Smith amongst others have gone out and it has given the chance
for Ben Marshall, Matt Lund, Michael Jackson, who all did well in a tough game, so it helps us to see how they will cope next
year and with the older boys.
"Our games are all about developing the players ready for the first team, which we fell we are going in the right direction
with. We could have kept the four or five players we have sent out on loan to get better results but we don't feel that's
the best way to go."
You can listen to the full interview with James on Crewe Alex World now.
Under 18's Lose 2-0 At Newcastle United
Crewe Alexandra's under 18's side made the trip to Newcastle United this weekend only to return with a 2-0 defeat under
their belts.
Junior Brown saw red after just 14 minutes following a scuffle when they found themselves on the ground after an aerial
challenge.
We continued to play with just one man upfront and playing the remainder of the field deep, keeping United quiet until
they eventually managed to find a way through our defences. Keeper Craig Ellison pulling off a fantastic game full of super
saves to hold the score line down.
The boys kept the score's at 0-0 until just before half time when a low driven shot was fired past the keeper and into
the back of the net.
Despite United going into the second half stronger minded, we still made things difficult for them to extend their lead,
even though they had chances to put themselves another two or three goals up. Ellison pulled off more fine saves including
two stunning long range shots and a close range through a crowded penalty area.
In the 90th minute, United grabbed their second goal of the game to seal the win, a headed goal from inside
the penalty area. Team: Craig Ellison, Luke Danville, Tom Lappin, Ashley Westwood (Michael Jackson), Nathan Bancroft,
Ben McHugh, Ben Marshall, James Bailey, Dexter Ravenhill (Matt Lund), Junior Brown, Chris Clements.
Crewe Alex U18 2-3 Tottenham U18
Crewe Alexandra's Under-18's opened the new season with heartbreak on Saturday, as Tottenham Hotspur
nicked a win with the last kick of the game.
Steve Holland's young side seemed on the way to a comfortable victory in the first half, as they dominated the
game and raced into a 2-0 interval lead, but a spirited second half fight back from the Premiership side saw them come back
from the dead and take victory deep into stoppage time.
The Alex fielded trialist Matthew Wood in midfield, after the Nuneaton Borough had impressed after training
with the club during the summer, whilst fellow trialist, Altrincham youngster Craig Ellison operated in goal.
The Railwaymen began in fine fashion with Wood's clever ball finding Amari Morgan-Smith, who beat his defender
and sidefooted an effort wide of goalkeeper Richard Stroud but also just past the far post.
Five minute later however, the Alex had the lead thanks to some fantastic work from striker Nick Farqurharson.
The powerful forward, who missed nearly all of last season with a back injury capitalised after a long ball forward was poorly
dealt with by Spurs stopper Stroud.
He came outside his box to attempt to clear the ball, only to slice his attempted punt straight up in the air.
As the ball looped back into his penalty area he seemed favourite to catch it, but Farquharson leapt into the air to beat
the Spurs youngster and send a header thumping into the back of the empty net.
Farqurharson caused more problems minutes later as he raced down the right flank and pulled a square ball into
the path of Morgan-Smith, but his effort was easily saved.
On the half hour Crewe made it 2-0 with another header, this time from a set play. First Year Scholar Ashley
Westwood, operating at right back, hit a deep free kick into the penalty area and centre-back Thomas Lapping rose highest
to head past Stroud and double the lead.
Spurs almost fell further behind before the break when Farquharson's shot was saved by Stroud's feet following
good play from Under-18 debutante Chris Clements, but Spurs reached the break without further damage.
Despite dominating the first half, Crewe were immediately on the back foot after the turnaround, and within
15 minutes as the visitors halved their deficit.
A good midfield break from David Hutton did the damage as he won possession from Clements before finding Terry
Dixon, and the Spurs forward did the rest with a cool finish past Ellison.
Tottenham then began to wrestle control of the game and although the Railwaymen survived from the next 25 minutes,
the scores were level with ten minutes remaining.
Another good run by Dixon had the Alex defence on the back foot and when Junior Brown stuck out a leg to challenge,
the referee immediately awarded a penalty.
Stuart Lewis stepped up to take the spot kick, and although Ellison did superbly to dive to his right and save
his initial effort, the Spurs midfielder was quick to snap up the rebound and make it 2-2.
With a minute to go Farqurharson was unlucky not grab a win for the Alex as his effort from substitute AJ Leitch-Smith's
flick on was deflected narrowly wide, but it was Tottenham who grabbed all the points deep into stoppage time.
Hutton was again the creator, with a reverse pass through the Alex defence, and although there was a hint of
offside when Lewis latched onto the ball, the flag stayed down and he fired in his second of the game to grab the victory.
Crewe will be looking to bounce back from this opening day set back when they travel to West Ham United in the
FA Premier Academy League next weekend.
Highlights of this game will be screened Exclusively on Crewe Alex World next week. To subscribe
Crewe: Craig Ellison, Ashley Westwood, Nathaniel Kerr, Thomas Lappin, Junior Brown, James Bailey; Matthew
Wood (sub Dexter Ravenhill 90), Chris Clements; Byron Moore (sub Nathan Bancroft 71), Nick Farqurharson, Amari Morgan-Smith
(sub AJ Leitch-Smith 63)
Subs (Not Used): Russell Courtney, Marcus Calvert
Spurs: Richard Stroud, Chris Riley, Cian Houghton, Stuart Lewis, Alex Smith, Jake Livermore, Jamie Davis
(sub Takura Miandari 40), David Hutton (sub Daniel Hutchings 63), Kyle Fraser-Allen, Terry Dixon, Jacques Mahoma
Subs (Not Used): Greg Lake, Andros Townsend, James Dalton
West Ham U18 2-1 Crewe U18
Crewe Alexandra's Under-18's lost their second game of the season at the weekend.
Steve Holland's young side made the long trip to West Ham United on Saturday, and despite playing their
part in a very tight fixture, returned from the Hammers' Little Heath Training Ground on the wrong end of a 2-1 defeat.
Holland made one or two changes from the team which was unfortunate to go down to a 3-2 defeat in their
opening game against Tottenham Hotspur, with Luke Danville and Luke Murphy getting their first run outs of the season.
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Danville - In at right back
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Danville replaced the injured Ashley Westwood at left back, whilst Murphy returned from injury to take
over from trialist Matt Wood in a three-man midfield. The third change to the side saw Nathan Bancroft partner Tom Lappin
in central defence in place of over-age player Nathaniel Kerr, with former Liverpool youngster Ben McHugh taking his place
on the substitutes bench.
In a lively, entertaining clash, the Hammers took the lead after 20 minutes when forward Zavon Hines
headed past trialist goalkeeper Craig Ellison to put the hosts into a 1-0 lead.
West Ham doubled their advantage ten minutes later when the referee awarded the home side a spot kick
and Lee Hales converted to make it 2-0 to the hosts.
In the second period the Alex did their best to fight their way back into the game, but couldn't break
the Londoners resistance until the dying minutes when the referee awarded the Railwaymen a free-kick of their own from which
Byron Moore converted.
The Alex youngsters are next in action on Saturday, when the Under-18's replicate the first team by
taking on Huddersfield Town at home.
Crewe: Craig Ellison, Luke Danville, Nathan Bancroft, Tom Lappin, Junior Brown, Luke
Murphy, James Bailey, Chris Clements, Byron Moore (sub Marcus Calvert), Nick Farqurharson, Amari Morgan Smith. Subs:
Ben McHugh, Russell Courtney, Dexter Ravenhill
Crewe U18 4-1 Huddersfield U18
Crewe Alexandra completed the 'double' over Huddersfield Town on Saturday.
Whilst the first team were defeating the Terriers 2-0 at Gresty Road in an early morning kick-off on Sky TV, the Under-18's
were enjoying a 4-1 win against the West Yorkshire side in the FA Premier Academy League at Reaseheath.
Following two consecutive defeats in the opening two games of the season against Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United,
Steve Holland's youngsters bounced back in fine style with a comfortable win over the Terriers.
Holland was again forced to juggle his side following injury with Ben McHugh coming into the defence to replace Junior
Brown and Russell Courtney coming in at centre back for Nathan Bancroft, who dropped to the bench.
Ashley Westwood also returned to the side, operating in a midfield instead of the right-back role he populated on the opening
day of the season, as he replaced James Bailey.
The Alex were quickly into their stride however, and raced into a three goal lead as forwards Byron Moore and Nick Farqurharson
continued their promising start to the season.
Moore, who scored the late consolation goal in the 2-1 defeat at West Ham last weekend, grabbed a brace whilst Farqurharson
also scored to make it 3-0 at the interval.
Although Huddersfield pulled a goal back after the break, Farqurharson's second saw the Railwaymen secure a superb 4-1
victory and bring the Under-18's their first win of the new campaign.
The Alex Under-18's are in action again next weekend with a trip to Barnsley.
Team: Craig Ellison, Luke Danville, Russell Courtney, Thomas Lappin, Ben McHugh, Ashley Westwood, Chris Clements,
Luke Murphy, Byron Moore, Nick Farqurharson, Amari Morgan-Smith
Subs: Dexter Ravenhill, AJ Leitch-Smith, Nathan Bancroft
Barnsley U18 1-3 Crewe U18
The Alex's Under-18's claimed their second win in a row with a comfortable 3-1 triumph
at Barnsley on Saturday.
For the first time this season Academy Manager Steve Holland was able to name an unchanged
starting line up for the game, although he was still missing the likes of James Bailey and Junior Brown.
But his youngsters, which again were mostly first year scholars, produced a fine display
to win, although the first half was a very tight affair as both sides struggled to break the deadlock.
In fact the Alex were indebted to goalkeeper Craig Ellison for keeping the scores level
as the former Altrincham youngster made several superb saves to repell Barnsley as the game reached it's interval goalless.
After the turnaround however, it was the Railwaymen who took control and broke the deadlock
midway through the half as Byron Moore cleverly put his side in front, in the process registering his fourth goal in the opening
four games of the season.
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Moore - Scored Fourth goal of the season
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Soon after it was 2-0 as Gareth Evans (pictured above), playing his first game for the
Under-18's having recently returned from work experience at Leigh RMI, pounced to double the scoreline.
Barnsley reduced their arrears within minutes, but the game was wrapped up near the end,
albeit in somewhat controversial style.
The referee awarded the Alex an indirect free goal which Ashley Westwood hit at goal and
the home goalkeeper seemed to palm into his own net. The Alex celebrated, and although the home side protested that the strike
should be disallowed as it had gone directly into the net, the referee awarded a goal which will no doubt be claimed by the
Alex midfielder.
On Saturday the Under-18's visit South Yorkshire once again when they make the trip to Sheffield
Wednesday for their next league fixture.
Team: Craig Ellison, Luke Danville, Russell Courtney, Thomas Lappin, Ben
McHugh (Nathan Bancroft), Ashley Westwood, Luke Murphy (sub Marcus Calvert), Chris Clements, Byron Moore, Nick Farquharson
(sub Gareth Evans), Amari Morgan-Smith
Subs (Not Used): AJ Leitch-Smith, Dexter Ravenhill
Sheff Wed U18 3-2 Crewe U18
Crewe Alexandra's Under-18's saw their two match winning streak end at Sheffield
Wednesday on Saturday.
Following wins over Huddersfield Town and Barnsley over the past two weeks, the young Railwaymen
were looking for a hat-trick of victories against Yorkshire sides as they made the trip to the Owls' training complex at the
weekend.
Academy Manager Steve Holland made two changes to his side as Junior Brown was welcomed
back at left back following injury in place of Ben McHugh and Gareth Evans was added to the attack in place of Amari Morgan-Smith.
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Evans - On target
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in front, and the home side doubled their advantage when Crewe defender Russell Courtney scored an own goal to make it 2-0.
The Railwaymen fought back with a well taken goal from Evans, his second in as many games,
but Sheffield Wednesday virtually assured themselves the win as Kyle Jordan restored the Owls two goal advantage in the second
half.
Crewe came close to a come back when substitute Morgan-Smith grabbed a consolation late
on, but they couldn't force an equaliser as the home side held on to win.
Team: Craig Ellison, Luke Danville, Russell Courtney, Thomas Lappin, Junior
Brown, Ashley Westwood, Luke Murphy, Chris Clements, Gareth Evans (sub Amari Morgan-Smith), Byron Moore (sub Marcus Calvert),
Nick Farqurharson (sub Dexter Ravenhill)
Subs (Not Used): Ben McHugh, Nathan Bancroft
The Alex Under-18's are next in action at home to Manchester City on Saturday.
Crewe Alex U18 0-3 Man City U18
The Alex's Under-18's slumped to a 3-0 reversal at the hands of table topping Manchester City on Saturday.
Steve Holland's side went down to their heaviest defeat of the season at the Alex's Reaseheath Training Complex, as the
powerful league leaders rattled in three un-answered goals past Crewe keeper Craig Ellison.
City, who have enjoyed a strong start to the new season having lost just once, were quickly 2-0 up in the first half as
goals by Ched Evans and Ben Mee put them in the ascendancy.
The visitors extended their lead after the break, as Adam Clayton added a third, and their was no way back for the young
Railwaymen, who are still carrying a number of injuries at this early stage of the new season.
Holland's youngsters will be hoping to bounce back when they travel to Stoke City for their next league fixture at the
weekend.
Stoke U18 0-3 Crewe U18
Saturday proved to be a good day for the Alex, as the Under-18's backed up the first team's win with
a 3-0 triumph in their 'mini derby'
Steve Holland's youngsters bounced back from consecutive defeats against Sheffield Wednesday and Manchester
City, with a comfortable 3-0 triumph at the Potters' training ground, with striker Byron Moore continuing his superb start
to the new season.
Holland was able to welcome James Bailey back into his side, as the young midfielder returned from
injury, but was once again without left back Junior Brown. That forced a re-shuffle in his side, with right back Luke Danville
deputising on the left, and attacker Gareth Evans taking his place on the right of the back four, and producing an admitable
display in the un familiar role.
Steve also included forward Shaun Miller, who has missed the early weeks of the season through injury,
as one of his alloted over-age players, with the Alsager based youngster playing his first game of the season.
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Amari - 2nd goal of the season
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But it was fellow forward Moore who was again took the plaudits as he pounced to punish the Potters
defence by scoring his fifth and sixth goals of the season so far, to push himself well clear at the top of the clubs goalscoring
charts.
His first came from a well executed penalty, and he added a second soon later to but the hosts on the
rack. In the second half substitute Amari Morgan-Smith rose from the bench to score his second goal in as many games to seal
victory.
Full reaction from this game with Steve Holland will appear as part of our Academy Review this week
on Crewe Alex World. Click Here for more details on subscribing to the Alex's own Internet TV Station.
Team: Craig Ellison; Gareth Evans, Thomas Lappin, Russell Courtney, Luke
Danville; Ashley Westwood, Luke Murphy, James Bailey, Chris Clements; Byron Moore, Shaun Miller
Subs: Amari Morgan-Smith, Nathan Bancroft, Nick Farqurharson, Dexter Ravenhill,
AJ Leitch-Smith
Crewe Alex U18 2-0 Blackburn U18
Nick Farqurharson's late strike confirmed an Alex win at Gresty Road, as the young Railwaymen saw off
high flying Blackburn Rovers at Reaseheath.
Rovers, currently lying second in the table, arrived in South Cheshire in good form, but couldn't match the
Alex in the early stages, and couldn't find a way back into the game once Byron Moore gave the home side the lead from the
penalty spot, following an offence which saw Blackburn reduced to ten men.
Academy Manager Steve Holland was able to name an unchanged side for the game, although did make a tactical
switch as Gareth Evans, who was handed the captaincy, returned to the right side of midfield, with Ashley Westwood switching
to full back.
The game was close in the early stages, although neither goalkeeper was seriously tested, with the best chance falling
to striker Shaun Miller, who failed to connect properly with a Chris Clements centre after some good work through midfield.
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Byron Moore - Continued goalscoring streak
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The Alex were in front ten minutes later however, and Blackburn were dealt a crippling blow as they were reduced to ten
men.
With the Alex building up in midfield, Clements played a killer pass through the Rovers defence to set Moore clear on goal.
Crewe's top scorer used his strength to hold of visiting defender Kevin Pezzani, but the Blackburn man was constantly pulling
his shirt, eventually dragging him to the ground as he shaped to shoot.
The referee had no hesitation in awarding a spot kick, and in the process had no option in sending Pezzani off for a professional
foul. Moore stepped up and drilled a shot low into the bottom corner of the goalkeeper's net to give the Alex the lead.
The rest of the half proved to be a scrappy display, and that carried over into the second period. Miller came close to
scoring once more, as he fired over from a Moore flick on, whilst Blackburn keeper Bence Somodi made a couple of superb saves.
On 72 minutes James Bailey's slotted through ball found Farquharson, who used his strength to hold off his marker before
drilling a shot which Somodi saved with his legs. The rebound came back to Farquharson, who laid it into the pass of Luke
Murphy, whose effort was headed off the goaline by a visiting defender.
Somodi then made another stop with his legs from Farquharson in the dying minutes, whilst he also lifted an effort over
the crossbar, but in stoppage time he ended the visitors resistance.
Blackburn swung a free kick into the Alex box, and when the Alex cleared Amari Morgan-Smith raced clear. As he bore down
on goal he unselfishly looked up and laid a pass into the path of Farquharson, who finished perfectly with a measured shot
across the keeper and into the bottom corner.
The Alex make the trip to Liverpool on Saturday in their next game.
Crewe: Craig Ellison; Ashley Westwood, Russell Courtney, Thomas Lappin, Luke Danville; Gareth Evans (Nick
Farquharson), Luke Murphy, James Bailey, Chris Clements; Byron Moore, Shaun Miller (sub Amari Morgan-Smith).
Subs (Not Used): Nathan Bancroft, Ben McHugh, AJ Leitch-Smith
Liverpool U18 1-2 Crewe U18
Crewe Alexandra's Under-18's moved to third in the table with victory over Liverpool
at the Reds' Academy on Saturday.
Steve Holland's young side pounced in the second half to secure their third consecutive
victory in the FA Premier Academy League, and climb above the likes of Manchester United in the table.
Holland made a couple of changes to the side which had beaten Blackburn Rovers at Reaseheath
last weekend, with Nick Farquharson returning to the starting line-up in place of Shaun Miller, and Adam Dugdale playing his
first game of the season in central defence in place of Tom Lappin.
But it was Dugdale's central defensive partner Russell Courtney (pictured, above) who but
the Railwaymen in front early in the game as he got up from the back to net his first of the season.
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Farquharson - Late winner
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Liverpool equalised through Lee Woodward, but the Alex maintained the pressure on the home sides goal
and secured victory in the second half when Farquharson celebrated his return to the starting line-up by scoring his fifth
goal of the season to send the Alex home with three points.
On Saturday Steve Holland's youngsters are at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Team: Craig Ellison; Luke Danville, Russell Courtney (sub Thomas Lappin), Adam Dugdale,
Ashley Westwood (sub AJ Leitch-Smith); Gareth Evans, James Bailey, Luke Murphy, Chris Clements; Byron Moore (sub Amari Morgan-Smith),
Nick Farquharson
Crewe U18 3-1 Wolves U18
Crewe Alexandra's Under-18's claimed their fourth successive FA Premier Academy League victory on Saturday.
Steve Holland's young side, despite missing several key players, produced an impressive display at Reaseheath against the
Midland visitors to move to second in the table in their FA Premier Academy League grouping.
The Under-18's collected their fourth consecutive victory, despite Holland missing a number of players who have been regulars
in the team so far this season.
Luke Danville, Thomas Lappin, Nick Farquharson, Amari Morgan-Smith and Gareth Evans were all absent from the team,
due to a variety of reasons, meaning Steve was forced to re-shuffle his pack, making the victory even sweeter, with the Alex
controlling much of the game.
First Year professionals Adam Dugdale and Shaun Miller were both included in the team, as they continue their rehab from
lengthy injury lay offs, whilst Junior Brown returned from injury and Ben McHugh was recalled at full back.
The Alex made the perfect start, scoring inside the first ten minutes after some hesitancy on the part of Wolves keeper
William Lumley and some clinical finishing from top scorer Byron Moore.
Luke Murphy's through ball did the damage, but Lumley should really have come to claim it before Moore arrived on the scene.
But following some hesitancy from the Wolves stopper, Moore was rewarded for failing to give up a lost cause to reach the
ball first and finish coolly to register his eighth goal of the campaign.
Moore was close again, this time from a James Bailey ball, after 17 minutes, only for Wolves defender James Askey to produce
an heroic last ditch tackle.
That moment could have proved important, as Wolves equalised within five minutes, a clever ball from Liam Hughes allowing
Kyle Bennett to fire home, but Crewe were quickly back in the ascendancy, retaking the lead within five minutes.
The goal could easily be classed as a wonder strike, but goalscorer Murphy later claimed he'd mis-hit it! In the event
a Miller ball into the box was headed to Murphy on the edge of the penalty area, for the Rodeheath youngster to strike an
incredible left footed shot which crashed into the top corner of the net, leaving Lumley with no chance - not a bad way
to celebrate your 17th birthday!!
Chris Clements was then unfortunate not to add his name to the scoresheet, hitting a fierce right footed shot which clattered
the foot of the post, as the Alex took control in the second half.
Substitute AJ Leitch-Smith saw a left footed effort saved in the 65th minute, whilst Moore went close twice soon after,
one effort dragging just wide and the second being stopped by Lumley.
Wolves did breifly rally, substitutes Fabrice Kasiama and Richard Mace combining to see the former hit the post, whilst
Alex keeper Craig Ellison also had to be on his heels to save from Mace soon after.
But in injury time the game was ended as the Alex grabbed a third, decisive goal. Murphy was the provider, placing a slide
rule pass through the Wolves defence, and substitute Dexter Ravenhill netted his first goal of the season with a low finish.
Crewe: Craig Ellison; Ashley Westwood, Adam Dugdale, Russell Courtney (sub Nathan Bancroft), Ben McHugh
(sub AJ Leitch-Smith); Chris Clements, Luke Murphy, James Bailey, Junior Brown; Byron Moore, Shaun Miller (sub Dexter Ravenhill)
Subs (Not Used): Marcus Cooper (Gk)
Wolves: William Lumley, Thomas Spalding, Peter Williams, Marcel Tulloch, James Askey, Matthew Bailey,
Elliott Bennett, Alex Melbourne, Danio Ijaha, Liam Hughes, Kyle Bennett
Subs: Fabrice Kasiama, Richard Mace, James Davies
Crewe U18 1-2 Bolton U18
Bolton Wanderers Under-18's snatched victory against Crewe Alex Under-18's, just as the
Railwaymen were applying the pressure which looked set to give them all three points.
After a dour first half, and with the scores tied at 1-1, the Alex had begun to apply the pressure
after the interval, causing numerous problems for Bolton's rearguard, but were stung on the break when Wanderers substitute
Nathan Woolfe netted a late winner to end the Alex's four match winning run in the FA Premier Academy League.
Holland was able to welcome four players back to his starting line-up following the win over Wolves
last time out, as Luke Danville, Thomas Lappin, Gareth Evans and Nick Farquharson all started, whilst Amari Morgan-Smith was
back amongst the substitutes.
Bolton missed the first clear cut opportunity after just ten minutes, as Topi Obadeyi drilled wide
following fine approach play from Tom Brookes, whilst at the other end Luke Murphy saw his goalbound thunderbolt rattle off
the legs of his team-mate Evans, who simply couldn't get out of the way of the thunderbolt.
But in truth the first period was a scrappy affair, and it was a scrappy goal which handed Bolton the
lead just after the half-hour mark. When the visitors were awarded a corner Obadeyi delivered the ball into the box were Robert
Sissons was unmarked and able squeeze his header into the bottom corner of the net.
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Ellison - Made some good saves
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Things could have got worse before the interval as Bolton threatened once more, but goalkeeper Craig
Ellison blocked bravely at the feet of Leslie Thompson, and as the loose ball rebounded dangerously, Danville was alert
to the danger to hack a clearance away.
It proved to be an important save by the former Altrincham keeper because, within minutes, Crewe were
level and able to enter the changing rooms at half-time with parity restored.
This time it was the young Railwaymen who caused the probelsm from a set play as set-piece specialist
Ashley Westwood floated a deep free-kick into the penalty area. Russell Courtney rose above the Bolton defence to head the
ball down, and the predatory instincts of top scorer Byron Moore kicked in, as the Stoke based youngster pounced for his ninth
of the season.
The second half was a much better showing by the Alex as, with Holland's words of advice ringing
in their ears, they began to dominate.
Having lost Farquharson to a head injury in the first period, Steve decided to add Morgan-Smith to
the action after the break to support Moore, and the duo began to reek havoc in the visitors defence.
That was before Ellison has made another fine stop, low to his left to deny Wolze, but soon Morgan-Smith
and Moore were linking dangerously.
After 72 minutes Morgan-Smith held off several defenders before finding Moore, and his drive was only
just kept out by the sprawling Robert Lainton, who was at full stretch to his right hand side. Minutes later the two linked
again in the same fashion, and whilst this time Moore beight Lainton, who had charged off his line, his clever lob looped
over the keepers head, bounced on the goaline, and up onto the post.
It was a piece of bad luck for the hosts, and their misery was compounded in the final ten minutes
as Woolfe, fresh from the substitutes bench, found his way behind the Alex defence and drilled the winner into the bottom
corner.
The goal visibly deflated the unlucky Alex players, but Ellison still had to remain on his mettle in
the dying minutes as he made a breathtaking finger tip save from Thompson.
The Alex are next in action on Wednesday evening when they travel to Oldham Athletic in the FA Youth
Cup First Round. Ticket News for the game can be found here.
Crewe: Craig Ellison; Ashley Westwood, Russell Courtney, Thomas Lappin, Luke Danville;
Gareth Evans, Luke Murphy, James Bailey, Chris Clements; Byron Moore, Nick Farquharson.
Subs: Junior Brown, Amari Morgan-Smith, AJ Leitch-Smith, Dexter Ravenhill, Nathan
Bancroft
Bolton: Robert Lainton, David Gbermie, Chris Stokes, Mark Charlesworth, Mark Ellis,
Michael Roddy, Tom Brookes, Roberts Sissons, Leslie Thompson, Kevin Wolze, Topi Obadeyi.
Subs: Samuel Sheridan, Premyslaw Kazimiercak (Gk), Nathan Woolfe, Stuart McDonald,
Kyle Bartley
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