Under 18s Beaten By Stoke

The Crewe Alex Under 18 academy side fell to defeat following last week's superb win over league leaders Bolton as a hat-trick from Stoke City's Jordan Agbaje gave the Potters the win on Saturday.

Despite a goalless first half, the Alex had some good chances to open the scoring through George Ray whilst Harry Clayton, the current top scorer for the U-18s, had a goal chalked off due to offside.

Just after the break, the young Railwaymen felt the favour should have been returned as they appealed for offside once Agbaje turned in a Andy Hall cross. The protests were turned away as Stoke took the lead.

Stoke soon got on top of the game and double their lead soon after, this time capitalising on a defensive mix up. Agbaje walked onto a poor goalkeeping clearance, leaving little to do but put the ball into an empty net.

Summer signing Antoni Sarcevic pulled a goal back for the Railwaymen with a good finish from Brendon Daniels' through ball. However, as the Alex went in search of an equaliser, Stoke went on to seal the win with Agbaje bagging his hat-trick with a 35 yard strike past Stuart Plant in the Alex net.

The Crewe youngsters are now 2nd bottom of their respective league - above Stoke on goal difference!

Stoke City: Parton, Roberts-Nurse, Hall, Mitchell (Dawson, 26), Headley, Wint, Foster (Bossman, 88), Koroma, Agbaji, Richardson, Musungu (Whitehurst, 80). Subs not used: Galloway, Clarkson

Crewe: Plant, Turton, Guest, C Hughes, Ray, Ting, Sarcevic, Bateman (Moores, 71), Clayton, Daniels, Cooke (Ezo, 88). Sub not used: R Hughes.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.