Crewe Alexandra 1-1 Stoke City
International Club Friendly | 18 July 2026

A tightly contested pre-season derby at the Mornflake Stadium ended all square as Crewe Alexandra and Stoke City played out a 1-1 draw. The match, part of a busy summer of friendly fixtures for both sides, offered a useful workout ahead of their respective league campaigns.

Match Overview

Neither side dominated possession for long periods, but both created clear-cut chances. Stoke, competing in the Championship, fielded a mix of first-team regulars and academy prospects. Crewe, of League Two, matched their higher‑tier opponents physically and caused problems on the counter.

Key Moments

• 17th minute – Stoke’s forward capitalised on a defensive lapse to slot home from close range and give the visitors the lead.
• 58th minute – Crewe responded through a well‑worked set‑piece, with a header from a corner restoring parity.
• Late pressure – Both goalkeepers were called into action in the final 15 minutes, but neither side could find a winner.

Takeaways

Crewe’s resilience against a team from a higher division will encourage manager Lee Bell. Stoke boss Steven Schumacher will be pleased with the sharpness shown by his forwards but may want more defensive solidity before the season starts.

The result leaves both teams with something to build on as they continue their pre-season schedules.