The Railwaymen come out on top against Conference side

Altrincham FC 0-3 Crewe

Attendance: 390

Crewe Alexandra passed their first extended pre-season test with flying colours, beating National League (Conference) side Altrincham 3-0 at Moss Lane.

The rejuvenated Brad Inman struck twice to put The Alex in control and young midfielder Ryan Wintle hit a third late on to seal the victory.

Steve Davis fielded a strong line-up in South Manchester after gaining fitness in a number of local pre-season outings, and there was a real sense of purpose about his side in the opening stages.

That was demonstrated after just 50 seconds when Billy Bingham’s masterful through ball was collected by Inman and he made no mistake to slot past the keeper.

The Alex continued to control possession and looked tidy, until the home side gained a foothold midway through the half and wasted a few half chances to draw level.

Then came the home side’s best chance of the game, Lawrie finding space and shooting before seeing the ball bounce back off the crossbar.

Into the second half and it was Inman again who struck to make it 2-0, and what an individual goal it was. He broke in the Altrincham half & ghosted into the box before curling his effort into the corner.

A host of substitutions broke the game up, but The Alex again had the final say with fellow subs Chris Atkinson and Ryan Wintle combining, with Atko going on a mazy run before slotting it to the former Alsager Town man tap in from close range.

Crewe: Garratt, Baillie, Ray, Ng, Turton, Bingham (Wintle, 60), Fox (Atkinson, 60), Cooper (King, 45), Inman, Dalla Valle (Brown, 66), Haber (Saunders, 66)