MORECAMBE’S youngsters bowed out of the FA Youth Cup despite dominating this game against Crewe for long periods.
Two late goals gave the visitors the tie but the Shrimps can count themselves unlucky to be out of the competition.
In the end it was the quality of Crewe striker Malachi Linton that made the difference as he scored the vital opening goal 15 minutes from time.
The striker took the ball with his back to goal before working an opening for himself and curling a right foot shot past Ollie Jumeau from 18 yards.
The goal gave the visitors a shot in the arm and they added a second shortly after when a right wing cross caused problems for the Morecambe defence and Tyreece Onyeta looked to have got the final touch to bundle the ball over the line.
The Shrimps fought back bravely with Freddie Prince going close and Kai Herbert seeing shot cleared off the line as they looked to get themselves back in the game.
The first half saw the young Shrimps create the better of the chances.
Amlicar Codjovi went close in only the third minute with a header from a left wing cross that went just wide of the right hand post.
Crewe found the way into the game and played some neat football without really testing Ollie Jumeau in the Morecambe goal and the home side always looked a threat on the break.
Toby Twiname had an effort saved by Sam Booth and the Alex keeper had to react sharply on two separate occasions towards the end of the half to save from Josh Giacomin and Freddie Price.
For all their pressure the Shrimps child not get the goal their efforts warranted and Crewe went on to take the tie.
Morecambe: Jumeau, Twiname, Edwards, Farrington, Jones, Young, Codjovi, Giacomin, Herbert, Price, Obasato. Subs: Dorward, Baker, McCarthy, Edgar, Gough.
Crewe: Booth, Goodrick, Woodthorpe, Djalo, Fenton, Soithern, Abebisi, Heath, Linton, Robbins, Onyeta. Subs: Waltlate, Harsthorn, Odipe, Levey, Stubbs.