Crewe Alexandra set a new club record of 11 games unbeaten at the start of a league season as they beat Rochdale 3-2 at Mornflake Stadium on Saturday.
Jordan Gibson scored twice to extend his tally to five goals in four games, while Matus Holicek opened his account for the campaign. The Railwaymen recorded their third consecutive win and remain third in League Two.
How the Match Unfolded
Rochdale started brightly but failed to trouble Crewe keeper Tom Booth. The Alex gradually took control, with Cain Hayes causing problems down the Rochdale right and Josh March going close early on.
The breakthrough came on 39 minutes when a corner routine saw Gibson find the feet of Holicek, who lashed home from just outside the area. Gibson doubled the lead before half-time, finishing after Owen Lunt had charged down the line and squared perfectly.
Crewe made it 3-0 on 55 minutes. Lewis Billington drove in a dangerous cross and Kyle Ure turned the ball back across for Gibson, who prodded home after taking a touch.
Rochdale pulled one back on 65 minutes when Glenn Middleton's cross was deflected past Booth. Manager Lee Bell switched to a back three with triple changes on 75 minutes, bringing on Reece Hutchinson, Adrien Thibaut and Stan Dancey.
The visitors refused to give up and Aden Flint made it 3-2 with a 90th-minute diving header, forcing Crewe to survive four minutes of injury time. Josh Stephenson made a vital clearance and Booth made an important punch to secure the three points.
Next Fixture
Crewe travel to Exeter City on Tuesday at 7.45pm. Attendance at Mornflake Stadium was 6,080 (949 away supporters).