Reece Hutchinson and Calum Agius on target as Crewe beat Accrington to go top

Reece Hutchinson and teenager Calum Agius were on target to ensure Crewe made a winning start to their home campaign with a 2-0 League Two victory over Accrington.

Lee Bell’s side made it two wins from their opening two fixtures with a powerful first-half display against Stanley, who did improve after the break but never threatened to get back into the contest.

Max Sanders squandered an early opening for the Railwaymen when firing over after Aston Villa loanee Tommi O’Reilly broke clear to set up his fellow midfielder for the finish.

Crewe were ahead in spectacular fashion in the 18th minute when summer recruits Josh March and Hutchinson combined, with the left-back dispatching a rocket of a left-footed finish into the far corner from 20 yards out.

Stanley goalkeeper Michael Kelly did well to parry an effort from Owen Lunt. But Crewe kept up the pressure and doubled their lead when Agius created room to drive a stinging finish from just inside the box past Kelly on the half-hour mark.

Agius threatened again when he was found unmarked at the far post, but his downward header bounced over the crossbar.

On a rare advance forward, Accrington striker Josh Woods tested home stopper Tom Booth with a low drive.

The visitors got closer to the goal in the second half and Charlie Caton flicked a cross a yard over Booth’s crossbar, although Liam Coyle wildly blasted an effort over from a good position.

Stanley skipper Farrend Rawson narrowly avoided an embarrassing finish to the game when he diverted a clearance just past his own goal.