Bell clocks up two in young Robins win

The Alex, boasting the experienced Eddie Nolan, Alex Bruce and Oli Lancashire in their ranks, had an early opportunity when Jojo Wollacott blocked Tyreece Onyeka’s narrow-angled shot.

And the keeper did well to deal with some tricky crosses in the wind that whipped across the coastal town.

Britton almost doubled City’s tally when he headed in Nathanial Williams’ cross but was judged to be offside.

Bell did make it two after 34 minutes as he reacted first to a loose ball in the box and gave Sam Booth in the Crewe goal no chance.

City started the second half with the same attacking intent and Harper took them 3-0 up when he rode a tackle in the box and crashed the ball home after 53 minutes.

Crewe pulled a goal back through Nolan but it was a small respite as Harrison was brought down in the box and Bell went straight down the middle of the goal from the penalty box.  

Josh Owers hit a long-range shot against the post and there was more woodwork action at the other end when Joe Robbins crashed the ball against the City bar as the home team secured maximum points.

Up next for City Under-23s is an away game at Coventry City on Monday, November 2nd (KO 1pm). 

City: Jojo Wollacott, Barney Soady, Nathaniel Williams, Tom Harrison (capt), Joe Porton, Josh Owers, Vince Harper, Sam Pearson, Louis Britton, Sam Bell, Zac Smith. Subs used: Prince Henry, Khari Allen, Zak Bell. Not used: James Walker, Dylan Kadji.