Leaders Doncaster Rovers showed their class as they consigned Crewe to a third straight defeat at the Keepmoat Stadium on Saturday.

A James Jones strike saw the Alex go into the break at 1-1 but the home side always looked too strong, and it proved that way when John Marquis and Tommy Rowe added to Conor Grant’s opener.

Rovers, who stay four points clear at the summit of League Two, look well on target for the title with strength and quality in all departments.

Crewe can take solace from some aspects of their performance, especially their attacking play in the first half, but they have to put this one in context and move forward.

They stay 18th in the standings with the vital visit of Cheltenham Town next up.

Rovers came into the game in superb form, leading the way at the top of the division by four points and having won five of their previous six.

In fact, Darren Ferguson’s men had only dropped four points of the last 33 on offer and had won five on the spin at home, where they were unbeaten.

Crewe, in stark contrast, were searching for their first victory in nine and had managed just six points in the same 11-game period.

It is becoming Rovers' favourite scoreline.

For the third consecutive game they ran out 3-1 winners and deservedly so against a plucky Crewe side.

Conor Grant, John Marquis and Tommy Rowe all netted to strengthen Rovers' position at the top of League Two.

They did not have it all their own way as James Jones equalised for Crewe, who finished the first half the stronger.

But Rovers showed real ruthlessness yet again in the second half to run out comfortable winners.