Crewe Alexandra extended their perfect start to the season with a 1-0 victory over Northampton Town, maintaining their second-place position in League Two.
Striker Josh March grabbed the winning goal early in the second half on 53 minutes. He hid behind a post, waited for Northampton keeper Zach Jeacock to drop the ball, then raced back to steal possession and prod the ball into an empty net.
The result marks Crewe's third consecutive win in all competitions and a second clean sheet in succession. Keeper Tom Booth made a super save late on from Elliott List after Northampton pressed for an equaliser in the final 10 minutes.
Team News and Changes
Manager Lee Bell made two enforced changes from the side that won at Crawley. New loan signing Josh Stephenson made his senior debut in defence, filling in for Mickey Demetriou who was serving a one-match suspension. Joel Tabiner started for the first time since April 2025, with Joe White rested as a precaution. Kyle Ure, who arrived on loan from Celtic in midweek, was amongst the substitutes.
Northampton were captained by former Crewe man Jon Guthrie.
Match Summary
The opening period was steady with few clear chances. Northampton's Logan Briggs found the gloves of Tom Booth in the 24th minute, while Calum Agius fired wide at the other end after being found by March. The sides were level at half-time.
Crewe applied pressure after the restart. Agius had a shot blocked and saw his cross from a good wide position also blocked before March's breakthrough on 53 minutes.
Lewis Billington, captain for the day, nearly added a second when he bounced a shot at the keeper after arriving on the end of a left-wing cross. Booth denied Elliott List at his near post, and Stephenson was outstanding at the heart of Crewe's defence to see the game out against late Northampton pressure.
What's Next
Crewe travel to Barnsley on Tuesday, 7.45pm, followed by a trip to Port Vale on Saturday, 12.30pm.
