Crewe Alexandra were handed a timely boost ahead of the season kick-off with Kelvin Mellor, Oli Finney and youngster Joel Tabiner all getting minutes under their belts in the 3-2 win over Halesowen Town last night.

Finney and Tabiner completed 90 minutes after returning from injury while right full-back, Mellor played almost 75 minutes before he was replaced by Zac Kempster-Down after picking up a slight knock. Mellor was purely substituted as a precaution after missing the club’s last two pre-season fixtures due to illness.

Finney missed Saturday’s goalless draw with Barnsley with a shin complaint but the midfielder recovered to face his former loan club in last night’s friendly. Finney spent a brief spell at The Grove in 2017, but his time was cut short due to injury and he returned to Crewe.

Tabiner’s own loan spell at Leek Town last season was cut short due to an ankle injury, but he has worked tirelessly over the summer to get back in readiness for the new season. The first year professional came on as an impact substitute against Barnsley at the weekend but managed to get through the 90 minutes against Halesowen.

The Liverpool-born midfielder finished the game strongly too, hitting the post with a wonderful effort before scoring the winner just over a minute later with a powerful shot.