Morgan may never play for Preston again but the Whites still look vulnerable whilst they try to get a steady back four that can work as a unit behind the experienced Alexander.
Preston started well with Proctor scoring a tap in within the first couple of minutes. Things soon turned though as Preston lost the ball in midfield leaving Crewe 3 on 3 before a good finish past Turner levelled the scores.
There is a common theme with Preston in recent times and this was shown again as Crewe took the lead from a free header from a corner to take the lead.
The second half saw Preston make changes with Coutts, Nicholson and Mayor coming on to change the formation to a more rigid 4-4-2 to give the backline more protection and it worked as Preston kept the majority of posession.
The Whites failed to convert chances with Hume forcing a reflex save from the Crewe keeper and it looked like Preston might rue their misses when Crewe broke and Turner managed to save the day.
With ten minutes to go a long range Alexander shot took a deflection and flew past the Crewe keeper. The tannoy man kept changing his mind between Devine and Mellor as to who got the last touch.
As the clock ticked 90, a deep cross landed at the head of captain Hume who headed home to give Preston the victory and a second round game to be played in two weeks time.