Crewe Alexandra secured an excellent 3-0 win at Bolton Wanderers this evening as Dave Artell’s side stepped up preparations for their Sky Bet League One campaign.
Second half goals from Daniel Powell, Charlie Kirk and Offrande Zanzala gave the Railwaymen an impressive win at the University of Bolton Stadium.
It was a good night for the Alex who gave a debut to new signing Donervon Daniels after his arrival at the club earlier this week.
Crewe started the game well controlling possession in the opening stages. Powell had the first sight of goal for the Alex but his effort was blocked before Kirk nearly capitalised on an error from home keeper Billy Crellin who recovered to deny Kirk’s chipped effort.
The home side began to grow into the contest though, and Nathan Delfouneso had an effort well saved by Dave Richards in the Alex goal before Liam Gordon fired an effort over for the hosts.
Just before the break Crewe had their best opportunity of the half as Oliver Finney burst from deep but the academy graduate dragged his shot wide of the goal.
Crewe made two change at the break with Eddie Nolan replacing Daniels and Will Jaaskelainen coming on for Dave Richards. 10 minutes after the break the Finland U21 international Jaaskelainenhad an unlikely assist.
A long ball forward from Jaaskelainen found Powell who produced an excellent finish from outside the box to give the Railwaymen the lead.
The Alex were now in full swing and Luke Murphy had an effort well blocked as they pressed for their second goal.
On 59 minutes that second arrived as a dangerous corner bounced around the Bolton box before falling to Kirk who lashed home a powerful volley to make it 2-0.
Chris Porter, who was back in the Alex side after a recent injury lay-off, came close to making it 3-0 as Crewe continued to press but four minutes from full-time Crewe had their third goal.
It came through a lovely team move that involved Perry Ng, Zanzala, Callum Ainley, and Finney who eventually fed Kirk who found Zanzala to slot home from close range. It was a stunning team move that capped off an excellent night for Crewe.
Dave Artell’s side now travel to Kidsgrove on Wednesday evening before starting their new campaign against Lincoln City in the Carabao Cup on Saturday 5th September.
Crewe: Richards (Jaaskelainen 45), Ng, Offord (Sass-Davies 77), Daniels (Nolan 45), Pickering, Wintle, Murphy (Ainley 77), Finney, Powell (Dale 77), Kirk, Porter (Zanzala 77).
Goals: Powell (55), Kirk (59), Zanzala (86)