With Kenny Lunt away, Lee Bell took the reigns and The Alex were in control, taking a 2-0 first half lead through Harry Pickering and Josh Lundstram, before the hosts pulled one back and then leveled late on.

Pickering opened the account for the season with a delightful lob off the underside of the crossbar from a long ball over the top, with Lundstram's neat side-footer low into the corner extending the advantage.

A mix-up at the back from Ross Woodcock and goalkeeper Jake Hilton allowed Watford to poke home before the break before the hosts curled in a free-kick late on to steal a share of the points.

Special mentions were handed to Pickering and substitute Luke Offord who impressed during the season opener.

Crewe: Hilton, Woodcock, Manuel, Wilkinson, Johnson, Lynch, Lundstram, Pickering, Dale, Reilly, Wally

Subs used: Offord, Griffiths, Hurst