Crewe Alexandra's pre-season campaign came to an end on Tuesday after Birmingham City won 2-1 at the Railwaymen. Jordan Gibson levelled the match midway through the first half, but Briar Bateman's 60th-minute goal proved decisive for the visitors.
How the match unfolded
Crewe fell behind early when Jay Stansfield opened the scoring in the sixth minute. Lee Bell's side responded well and Gibson controlled a cross from Calum Agius before finishing to level the match.
In the second half, Gibson and Owen Lunt both tested Birmingham keeper Ryan Allsop. Fin Roberts came close with a shot from distance, while defender Luke Offord's header struck the crossbar. Conor Thomas saw a goal ruled out for offside during a spell of sustained pressure, but Crewe could not force an equaliser.