Report: Crewe Alexandra U18s 2-2 Bristol City U18s

Trevor Challis’ side were 2-0 up at the break thanks to goals from Aaron Parsons and Ricardo Rees, but had to settle for a share of the spoils after a spirited fightback. 

The Under-18s opened the scoring after just three minutes as Cameron Allen’s free kick was met by Parsons’ bullet header. 

Rees doubled the lead on 38 minutes, following up after a long-range effort from Allen had been parried out by the Crewe goalkeeper. 

Centre-half Parsons almost added a third on the stroke of half-time, but his goal-bound attempt was hacked off the line. 

Crewe came out of the blocks flying for the second period and reduced the deficit immediately. 

City were rocking when the home team levelled the scores just after the hour mark and had to dig deep. 

There was still time for drama at the death as City substitute Jayden Ali powered a volley goalwards, which was blocked on the line, leading to strong claims of handball. However, the referee waved away appeals, leaving both teams to settle for a point apiece. 

City Under-18s: Begovic, Turner, Tanner (Spark), Richards, Parsons, Harvey Smith, Rees, Z.Smith, Akpobire, Day (Taylor), Allen (Ali).