Crewe Alexandra’s Youth team will play Bolton Wanderers in the FA Youth Cup third round after coming from behind to claim a 2-1 win over Tranmere Rovers at Prenton Park on Wednesday night.
Rovers started the better of the two teams and went ahead early on when Rovers skipper Max Power executed a brilliant free-kick after a foul on Cole Stockton.
The visitors regained their composure though after a whirlwind start by the home team and equalised on the half hour mark when Jason Oswell headed in from a corner.
Early in the second half Stockton then had two chances to put Tranmere back ahead but Alex keeper Ben Garratt was equal to his efforts.
With Alex’s first-team player Nick Powell becoming increasingly influential as the second half went on Tranmere’s Head of Youth, Shaun Garnett must have wished that he could call on Dale Jennings to influence proceedings for his side.
However, the youngster was spared Youth Cup duty to rest ahead of the first-team’s fixture at Notts County.
As Crewe further imposed themselves they were awarded a penalty after Stephen Wainwright brought down Michael Koral. Sean Cooke stepped up to take the kick but his effort went wide.
However, ten minutes from time the visitors booked their place in the third round when Oswell fired a superb strike past Rovers keeper Andy Coughlin.
