Crewe Alexandra kicked off their League Two season in style with a 3–1 win away at Salford City, recording their first ever victory at the Peninsula Stadium.
Conor Thomas scored twice and goalkeeper Tom Booth saved a penalty on his 21st birthday as Lee Bell’s side made the perfect start.
Thomas At The Double As Booth Stars On Birthday
Tom Booth set the tone early on when he denied Ben Woodburn from the penalty spot, diving low to his right to keep the scores level. The save came just minutes before Crewe took the lead through a freak own goal. James Connolly had a shot cleared off the line, but the ball ricocheted off Kadeem Harris and trickled over to put the visitors ahead.
Harris made amends moments later with a precise finish from the left-hand side, bringing Salford level on 16 minutes. But Crewe were the more threatening side throughout the opening half, with Calum Agius and Connolly testing Matty Young and Tommi O’Reilly impressing with his energy and link-up play.
Josh March, handed a debut up front, was involved in the second goal just before the interval. The former Stevenage striker worked space down the right and delivered a perfect low cross for Thomas to tap in from close range. There was still time for a third before the break, as O’Reilly kept the pressure on and Thomas pounced again inside the box to give Crewe a commanding lead.
Professional Second Half Seals Historic Win
Salford pressed after the restart and almost pulled one back when Luke Garbutt’s effort clipped the top of the crossbar. But Crewe remained composed and continued to look dangerous in transition.
March had a shot blocked and was later denied by Young after a clever through ball from Mickey Demetriou. O’Reilly nearly added a fourth with a curling free-kick that crashed off the underside of the bar and bounced clear.
Louis Moult and Emre Tezgel made late cameos as the Alex managed the closing stages confidently, never looking in danger of surrendering their lead. The defence, marshalled by Demetriou and Connolly, remained solid throughout and protected Booth well after his first-half heroics.
With debutants impressing and key players finding form early, Crewe’s performance offers plenty of encouragement for the weeks ahead. They sit second in the League Two table after the opening weekend, with Accrington Stanley next up at the Mornflake Stadium.
Writer’s View
This was an ideal start for Lee Bell’s side. The blend of youthful energy, defensive structure and clinical finishing in the first half will have pleased Crewe fans who travelled in strong numbers. Conor Thomas showed his value with two smart finishes, Tom Booth’s penalty save was a turning point, and Tommi O’Reilly looked every bit a breakout player. It is only one game, but the quality of the performance suggests that Crewe could be serious contenders this season.
