Max Sanders nets first-half brace as Crewe return to winning ways at Tranmere

Max Sanders scored a first-half brace as Crewe ended their four-game winless run with a dominant 4-1 League Two victory over Tranmere at Prenton Park.

Emre Tezgel and Tommi O’Reilly added to the scoreline after the break to secure a much-needed three points for Lee Bell’s side, while condemning Rovers to a first league defeat in five.

Sanders opened the scoring after 17 minutes, sweeping the ball home from inside the box after O’Reilly’s timely lay-off.

O’Reilly then went close to extending the advantage himself, only to be well denied by the onrushing Joe Murphy.

The Alex were eventually rewarded for their dominance in first-half stoppage-time as Sanders bagged his second with a spectacular strike to the top-left corner after a well-worked free-kick.

The visitors sealed victory on the hour mark as Tezgel scored his seventh of the season from the penalty spot after Josh March went down under pressure from Jayden Joseph.

O’Reilly added to the tally after 71 minutes with a drilled finish to beat Murphy at his near post, before James Connolly headed into his own net late on to provide a consolation for the hosts.