Richard Chaplow's first ever senior goal gave Burnley a second successive win as the gloom over Turf Moor continues to lift.
The teenager only got his chance because of a late injury to Paul Weller and how he made the most of it.
The Accrington lad was in precisely the right place at the right time in the 51st minute to smash home a right-foot shot form eight yards after Robbie Blake had stepped over a cross from Dean West to trick the Crewe defence.
The outstanding Blake then missed a glorious chance to put the game beyond Crewe's reach.
An unnecessary handball by Dean Ashton gave Burnley an unexpected penalty but Blake's low shot was superbly saved by the impressive Crewe keeper Clayton Ince.
Crewe were rocking and Glen Little was also guilty of a shocking miss, blazing a shot high over the bar when it looked easier to score.
Crewe sensed it could be a turning point and live-wire striker Steve Jones was very unlucky to see a shot on the turn beat Brian Jensen but bounce to safety off the foot of the post.
Jones was twice within inches of getting a telling touch to left-wing crosses but Crewe just could not find enough punch to hurt a Burnley side now sensing a revival.