Report | Crewe Alexandra U18s 1 Swansea City U18s 1

A second-half goal from Thomas Woodward wasn't enough to claim three points as Swansea City Under-18s suffered late heartbreak away at Crewe Alexandra. 

Rohan Davies and Dan Watts had a number of chances for the visitors, but Woodward would be the one to open the scoring in the 72nd minute with a fine finish. 

However, the home side drew level nearing the final whistle. Substitute Mohamed Jatta finding the bottom-left corner as he slid in to meet a cross.

The Swans fielded an incredibly young side with 10 under-16s being handed the opportunity for the upper-age group. 

Kiel Higginson and Sam Knipe made their debuts, whilst Caio Ifans and Thomas Searle – who had featured as substitutes in recent games – landed their first start for the under-18s.  

Kit Margetson started in between the sticks, alongside Jacob Cook following his exploits with Wales Under-17s.  

The Swans started well, having joy when they pressed the Alex high. Woodward picked up a Davies ball on a on the edge of the area in the opening exchanges, but Jack Flint was there to collect for the hosts.  

The home side began to settle, but crucial clearances from Margetson and Searle kept the young Railwaymen at bay.  

The reds were soon in control of possession. Max Woodcook’s thunderous volley was blocked by the Swansea defence, before Crewe piled on the pressure following two consecutive corner kicks. 

Soon after, Margetson produced a magnificent double save to deny the Crewe attack from close-range, and the Welsh international was equal to Callum Aguis’ right-footed shot moments later. 

Davies capitalised on a Crewe defensive mistake from the keeper after Knipe’s interception outside the area, but saw his effort fly just wide. 

Despite the Reds having the better of the first half, the Swansea defence stood strong to ensure the proceedings were level at the break.  

Knipe looked on course to go one-on-one with the Crewe keeper early in the second half, before Woodward saw himself crowded out as he tried to make room for a shot in the box. 

This started a better spell for the Swans. Cook did well to win the ball in the final third, teeing up Woodward on the left before his cross evaded the men in orange in the box. 

Woodward drove forward once again, and Davies met his cross only to see his effort blocked by Flint from Swansea’s best move of the game.  

Woodward wasn’t done there, showing great composure to bring down a Searle delivery in the box, but his shot ruffled the side netting. 

But the Swans and Woodward found the net to take the lead in the 72nd minute. 

Substitute Ramon Rees-Siso - fresh onto the pitch - produced a superb pass to the influential Woodward, who buried the ball with a calm finish. 

However, the visitors could not hold onto the lead as Jatta finished off a Aguis delivery at the near post.

Swansea City Under-18s: Kit Margetson, Kiel Higginson (Sam Parker 57’), Arthur Parker, Jacob Cook, Jada Mawongo, Dan Watts, Thomas Searle, Thomas Woodward, Rohan Davies, Sam Knipe (Osian Williams 62’), Caio Ifans (Ramon Rees-Siso 62’). 

Unused subs: Harvey Rees, Iestyn Jones. 

Crewe Alexandra Under-18s: Jack Flint, Sam Bhatti, Nathan Robinson, Sam Crolla, Matthew Senior, Harvey Washington, Max Woodcock, Ty Webster, Rhys Allport, Callum Aguis, Jack Parry.  

Unused subs: Charlie Fisher, Travu Ziglam.