Crewe Youngsters Ready for Wembley Stage

A 2-2 draw at Southend ensured a 3-2 aggregate win, and a place at Wembley Credit: PA

Crewe Alexandra will be looking to end their three year absence from League One as they take on Cheltenham in Sunday's League Two play-off final.

Max Clayton's late goal at Southend ensured a first trip to Wembley in 15 years, and continued a run of eighteen games without defeat.

This weekend's final will mark the end of an incredible season, which saw manager Steve Davis take the helm in November when the club was struggling in 18th place.

The decision by former Crewe boss and Alex legend Dario Gradi to step aside for his then assistant proved a master stroke.

The Railwaymen's last defeat came in February. Since then they've climbed the League Two table in style, with eighteen-year-old Nick Powell and his seventeen-year-old strike partner Max Clayton attracting the attention of top-flight teams.

Nick Powell has been linked with a move elsewhere this summer Credit: PA

Davis admits he expects interest this summer for the pair. Director of Football Dario Gradi has always prided himself on producing young talent for the countries top sides. Danny Murphy, Robbie Savage, Craig Higgnet and Dean Ashton are just some of the players that have come through the ranks at Gresty Road.

Davis though will be keen to keep as much of his young squad together if the team are promoted on Sunday.