The Reds took the lead after 35 minutes when Jermaine Pennant was felled in the box. Xabi Alonso, partnering Jack Hobbs at centre back, scored from the spot.
Momo Sissoko, Alvaro Arbeloa, Yossi Benayoun, Sebastian Leto and Lucas Levia all played the first half as did Fabio Aurelio, his first game since rupturing his cruciate ligament against PSV Eindhoven back in March.
There were ten changes at half time, with only goalkeeper David Martin playing the full 90 minutes. The second half saw new boys Mikel San Jose, Daniel Pachecho and Damien Plessis get a run out as well as FA Youth Cup winners Craig Lindfield, Ray Putterill, Stephen Darby, Ryan Flynn and Jay Spearing. Robert Huth was the other subsitute.
Crewe levelled on the hour but they had parity for only six minutes. Ryan Flynn sent a cross into the box and Ray Putterill volleyed home the winner.