The Chronicle

Crewe Alex picked up their first home league win since mid-October as manager David Artell celebrated his 50th game in change in style on Saturday.

The Railwaymen bagged a precious three points against an ill-disciplined Crawley Town as Chris Dagnall (2) and Callum Ainley got the goals.

The visitors finished up with nine men – and could have had more dismissed – but the Alex were in control before the red mist descended.

It was Artell’s 16th win as manager and it lifted Crewe to 19th and three points above the League Two drop zone.

Crawley Observer

Crawley Town’s three-match unbeaten run ended with a 3-0 defeat at Crewe thanks to a Chris Dagnall brace and a goal by Callum Ainley.

Ainley gave the Railwaymen the lead in the 39th minute with a piece of brilliance from a narrow angle. Crewe made it 2-0 on the stroke of half-time through Dagnall’s glancing header.

Reds skipper Jimmy Smith was sent-off after 60 minutes after receiving a straight red card. Jorsan Roberts was also red-carded for his second yellow card of the match.

Finally Dagnall added a 90th minute third goal on the rebound to clinch Crewe’s second victory in seven matches.

Crawley Town FC Official Website

Crawley’s revival ended at Gresty Road and to compound their disappointment they finished the game with nine men after skipper Jimmy Smith and Jordan Roberts were both sent off.

For 40 minutes Reds competed well at a venue where five previous visits had yielded just one win.

But two goals in five minutes before the break by Callum Ainley and Chris Dagnall put the hosts in charge.

Smith was shown a straight red by referee Ben Toner after an incident spotted by the officials but missed by the players and Roberts was sent off for two bookable offences, both late tackles. Dagnall then added a third for the hosts deep into stoppage time.