A young Crewe Alexandra midfielder scored the winner in Crewe's fifth pre-season friendly - just days after he was praised by the manager.

The Railwaymen beat West Midlands side Halesowen Town FC 3-2 at The Grove yesterday evening (July 12).

18-year-old midfielder Joel Tabiner scored the late match winner and completed 90 minutes for the Alex.

Joel Tabiner impressed against Halesowen Town and Barnsley (Crewe Alex).

Tabiner's impressive display came just a day after Morris praised the youngster for coming back from injury and showing signs of quality against Barnsley on Saturday (July 9).

On Monday (July 11), Morris told Crewe Alexandra's website: "It was good to have Joel back with us and it was another good experience for all those young lads that were involved.

"Joel has worked hard to get to the point where we can re-join us now and it has been a long, hard slog for him because the injury took long than any of us would have hoped or wanted it to.

"He had quite severe bruising on his foot to go with it.

Crewe Alexandra manager, Alex Morris, priased Joel Tabiner for his performance versus Barnsley on Monday - July 11 (Crewe Alex).

"He came on and did well and we know he is going to be a good player and like all our young players, the experience of playing against this level of opposition will only be beneficial."

The Match: Halesowen Town 2-3 Crewe Alexandra

Manager Alex Morris named a youthful side which also featured the likes of Kelvin Mellor, Billie Sass-Davies, Oliver Finney and two trialists.

First Half:

Kelvin Mellor in-action for Crewe Alexandra versus Halesowen Town - July 12 (Crewe Alex).

Crewe trailed to Halesowen after just two minutes when they were caught napping from a throw-in.

On 33 minutes the Alex were level when trialist Chris Sang buried his shot into the bottom corner.

Five minutes later Crewe were behind again as a long ball caught out the young defence and failed to regroup.

On the brink of half-time, the Alex levelled again.

Sang's free-kick effort was saved but promising 17-year-old Slovakian midfielder, Matus Holicek, scored the rebound - sending Crewe in level at the break.

Trialist Chris Sang scored one of Crewe's goals and was instrumental in another (Football Database).

Second Half:

There were more limited chances for both sides in the second half.

Billie Sass-Davies struck the bar with a header halfway through the half as crewe began to show better fitness than their opponents.

With just four minutes left on the clock Crewe found the winner - all thanks to 18-year-old midfielder Joel Tabiner.

Tabiner's shot was too hot for Halesowen goalkeeper Daniel Platt to handle as it dipped in over his head.

Just before that, Tabiner hit the post after skilfully cushioning a high ball on the spin.

Crewe Alexandra have won three of their first five pre-season fixtures (Crewe Alex).

These two moments will have impressed the boss further as the 18-year-old looks to push for a place in the first-team ahead of the new season.

Crewe Alexandra play their first of two home pre-season friendlies this Saturday (July 16).

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