Crewe Alexandra Res 2-1 Oldham Athletic Res
Stu Vose at the Alexandra Stadium
A double blast on the hour mark was enough to see Crewe come from behind to see off Athletic at the Alexandra Stadium.
Close-range finishes from Scott McManus and substitute Chris Clements secured victory for a Crewe side made up entirely of professionals.
Second-year apprentice Ryan Brooke had given the visitors a first-half lead with a smart turn and finish, but the hosts' eventually cashed in on their chances to secure victory.
The coaching staff got their first look at Chelsea loanee Fabio Ferreira, who started alongside professionals Kieran Lee, Kelvin Lomax, Paul Black and Josh Bell.
The debutant made an immediate impression when he spun away from his marker to plant a low shot just past Steve Collis' left-hand post.
But a strong Crewe side grew in stature and forced keeper Josh Bell into a trio of fine saves, including a spectacular diving stop to keep out a Chris McCready header.
Then youngster Bell sprung left to palm a Scott McManus thunderbolt behind for a corner as the hosts threatened to take control.
Latics held their nerve, though, and established a handy half-time lead when Kelvin Lomax steered a low cross into the path of Brooke who finished with aplomb.
Athletic came out positively after the break, restricting the Alex to an errant long-ranger from Joel Grant before the hour mark.
However, they were breached when young midfielder Ashley Westwood flighted a deep cross to the back post and McManus stole in on the diagonal to steer a bullet header inside the far post.
Home sub Clements than made an immediate impact just minutes later, meeting Colin Daniel's cross from the left to thunder a volley low past a stranded Bell.
Only a smart interventions from Bell prevented Crewe from adding a third goal - the keeper doing well to tip a fierce volley from Westwood over the bar.
Daniel also had a chance to extend the lead late on but found Bell in no mood to be beaten from long range.
Latics Res: Bell, Lomax, Black (McCall), Rowney, Cowan, Esdaille, Lee, Kilcourse, Brooke, Ferreira, McGrath (Rose).
Subs Not Used: Ollerenshaw, Zaicevs.
