Goals from Matus Holicek and Lewis Billington saw Crewe Alexandra defeat Barnsley at the latter’s training ground in the Under-21 Professional Development League this afternoon.
Manager Michael Jackson named Jack Flint in goal behind a back 4 of Sam Bhatti, captain Billington, Harvey Washington and Lucas Sant. In front of them were Harrison Bebbington and Holicek with Max Woodcock, Trialist A and Ty Webster playing behind Trialist B. Sam Crolla, Trialist C, Callum Agius, Marquise Martins and goalkeeper Tom Booth were on the bench.
The hosts had the first effort of the game in the 2nd minute with Angus Chapman unable to hit the target from close range before the first Alex chance came in the 20th minute saw Bebbington’s header saved by Paul Cooper.
The Alex took the lead midway through the first half through Holicek from the penalty spot before Keegan Hartley hit the post with an effort 10 minutes before the break. Barnsley levelled just before the break, again from the spot, Chapman sending Flint the wrong way.
The visitors took the lead 12 minutes from time with the skipper turning in a cross before substitute Jack Butterfill’s free-kick was saved by the Alex number 1.
The next games at this level sees the Alex host Birmingham City a week on Monday (31st, 1:00 pm) at the Alexandra Stadium before hosting Sheffield Wednesday the following Tuesday (8th, 1:00 pm) at Reaseheath.
Crewe: Booth; Bhatti, Billington (c), Washington, Sant; Bebbington (Crolla 63), Holicek; Woodcock (Martins 85), Trialist, Webster (Agius 63); Trialist (Trialist 49)
Barnsley: Cooper, Anaman, Benjamin, Lancaster, Trialist, Ariely, Trialist, Nejman, Dyer (Butterfill 67), Hartley, Chapman (Monteiro 67)
