The Railwaymen’s pre-season streak continued after putting four past Bala Town
Crewe Alexandra's second pre-season friendly of the week ended in another victory and a clean sheet against a strong Bala Town who continue their preparations ahead of their Europa League tie.
It’s now seven goals in two games for Crewe Alex as Oliver Finney, Offrande Zanzala, Chris Porter and an own goal secured the victory in a behind-closed-doors friendly.
David Artell’s side started the game brightly at the Alexandra Park training ground, and were rewarded for their hard work in the opening 15 minutes as Finney volleyed home with his weaker right.
Moments later from the restart Josh Lundstram took advantage of a loose pass and found new summer signing Mikael Mandron who released Zanzala to secure his first in red colours.
Crewe continued to attack, this time through Joe Robbins who wriggled his way into the box before firing his shot towards goal that was well saved by the Bala Town goal keeper.
Finney whipped in a free kick which was intended for Billy Sass-Davies, but was intercepted by the recovering Bala defender who poked it into his own net.
Artell continued to make full use of his squad, by introducing a whole new starting 11 for the second half.
The first chance of the second half fell to an unlikely source as Pickering tried his luck from range, but he couldn’t direct his shot on target.
After conceding three in the first half, the Welsh side came out more disciplined and restricted The Alex’s chances.
The ever lively Ainley linked up with Owen Dale down the left hand side, before squaring it back to Ainley who couldn’t continue his goal scoring form from Tuesday as his shot was cleared off the line.
With five minutes left on the clock, The Alex were rewarded for their patient build up play as Porter opened his account for the new season with a calm finish into the left hand corner.
First half XI: Richards, NG, Sass-Davies, Nolan, Woodthorpe, Lundstram, Griffiths, Robbins, Finney, Mandron and Zanzala.
Second half XI: Jaaskelainen, Johnson, Lancashire, Offord, Pickering, Wintle, Dale, Ainley, Onyeka, Powell and Porter.