Crewe Alexandra stormed to the top of League Two with a commanding 4-1 win away at Fleetwood Town.
A first goal for Josh March, alongside efforts from Reece Hutchinson and Calum Agius, sealed a fourth straight league victory for Lee Bell’s side.
Railwaymen In Control
Bell made just one change from the weekend success at Exeter City, resting Conor Thomas in favour of Jack Powell, but the visitors showed no signs of disruption. They struck inside two minutes when Owen Lunt fed Tommi O’Reilly down the flank, and his cross forced Fleetwood defender Toby Mullarkey, a product of the Crewe academy, to turn the ball into his own net.
Crewe built on that momentum, with March denied by Jay Lynch after a spectacular overhead kick and Max Sanders seeing a strike deflected narrowly wide. Mickey Demetriou also drew an excellent save with a header as the visitors controlled possession and territory.
Their dominance told midway through the first half. Demetriou and Powell won key tackles before Lunt released March, who produced a superb chip from distance that nestled into the top corner to double the lead. Fleetwood offered little in response, although Mark Helm saw one effort blocked by Hutchinson as the half drew to a close.
Clinical Second Half
Crewe maintained their intensity after the break and extended the advantage to three goals on 50 minutes. Lunt once again was the architect, sliding the ball to Agius, who curled a delightful effort beyond Lynch from the edge of the area.
Barely minutes later it was four. Powell won possession high up the pitch and fed Hutchinson, who drove at his marker before squeezing a low shot under Lynch for his first of the campaign.
The hosts struggled to create clear chances, though substitute James Norwood pulled one back from the penalty spot after 77 minutes. Crewe goalkeeper Tom Booth denied Harrison Neal late on to preserve the three-goal margin and cap a fine night’s work for the league leaders.
Clear at the Summit
The result secured back-to-back away league victories for the first time since the 2019–20 season and left Crewe clear at the top of the division. With March opening his account, Hutchinson impressing at both ends, and Agius continuing his rapid development, the Railwaymen appear well balanced across the pitch.
Writer’s View
Crewe’s ruthless performance at Highbury was another statement of intent from a side gathering early-season momentum. The blend of experienced campaigners such as Demetriou and emerging talents like Agius is proving highly effective, while the attacking options of March and O’Reilly give them variety in the final third.
With four wins from four and growing confidence, Bell’s men have set the standard in League Two. Maintaining this level of energy and precision on the road will be key if they are to turn a strong start into a sustained title challenge.
