Crewe Alexandra began their busiest week of pre-season in York against Newcastle United at Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate.

Andy Carroll, Christian Atsu and Federico Fernandrez sealed the victory for the hosts in the end, but it was a performance that David Artell will have taken plenty of positives from.

Offrande Zanzala could have opened the scoring for Crewe in the opening minutes following an impressive overlap from Harry Pickering, but the forwards shot was well-saved by Newcastle's summer signing, Mark Gillespie.

Moments later, the 23-year-old was presented with another opportunity to put the Alex ahead against the premier league side as his header flashed just wide of the post.

With six remaining in the first-half, Carroll showed his impressive quality with a lovely solo finish down to Dave Richards' left.

The Magpies were searching for their second before the interval, after Paul Dummett's left footed strike crashed against the top of the crossbar.

Immediately after the restart second-half substitute Atsu added to Carroll's opener with a smart finish into the roof of Will Jaaskelainen's net.

Jonjo Shelvey tried to get his name on the scoresheet with two identical free-kicks crashing back off the crossbar within minutes of each other.

Newcastle completed their victory in the 73rd minute, as Fernandez rose highest to Dan Barlaser's driven corner.

First-year-scholar Connor Salisbury was rewarded for his impressive performances with Lee Bell's Under-18 side as he was introduced in the 84th minute by the boss.

Crewe: Richards (Jaaskelainen 45'), Ng (Lundstram 65'), Sass-Davies (Nolan 45'), Wintle (76'), Pickering (Woodthorpe 76'), Murphy (Johnson 65'), Ainley (Lowery 65'), Finney (Robbins 76'), Powell (Dale 76'), Kirk (Onyeka 76') & Zanzala (Salisbury (84')