Crewe Alexandra have been knocked out of the FA Youth Cup at the first round courtesy of a late goal by Sheffield United.
Kenny Lunt could not do anything to save his boys as they played one of the toughest teams in the first round. They played the Blades at Bramall Lane and lost 2-1. United booked their spot in the second round with the victory over the youngsters.
Crewe started the match well, scoring the first within three minutes. The goalkeeper of Sheffield United Joshua Perryman tried to clear the ball but Luke Walley closed down on him. The ball deflected off the player and over Perryman’s head to score. The score line remained unchanged until after the recess.
Owen Dale was his effort go wide immediately after the break. The Blades dominated the game as they tried to get the equalizer. Fifteen minutes from the end of the game, substitute Stephen Mallon sent the ball towards Tyler Smith. Smith curled the ball but it hit the goal post and Jordan Hallam got the equalizer. Alex seem to have done enough to force the game to extra time, but an 89th minute goal from Tyler Smith ensured that Crewe didn’t make it to the next round.
United dominated most part of the second half. Alex youngsters did their best but the pressure from Sheffield United was just too much. Scott Wardley displayed some nice goalkeeping, but some finishing during the duel were rather poor. The game was a close one as both teams showed why they place first and third in their respective divisions. Crewe almost got a second through another Perryman error. Walley latched onto another poor kick but defender Joseph Cummings quickly covered for United.