Match ends, Crewe Alexandra 2, Scunthorpe United 0.
CreweCrewe Alexandra2ScunthorpeScunthorpe United0
Greg Leigh and Marcus Haber scored in quick succession as Crewe Alexandra beat Scunthorpe to move seven points clear of League One's bottom four.
The Iron - now without a win in five - dominated possession in the first half, but failed to test Paul Rachubka.
Leigh's thunderous shot then broke the deadlock on 54 minutes before Haber's header just 84 seconds later.
Crewe had not scored in their previous four games, but victory moved them to 18th, level on points with Scunthorpe.
On-loan Manchester City defender Greg Leigh's goal was his first in professional football.
Crewe manager Steve Davis told BBC Radio Stoke:
"Greg Leigh's goal gave everyone a lift. It was one of those roof-lifting moments. It seemed to wake everyone up.
"And Marcus Haber has shown that desire at the far post. We wanted him to be stronger and braver and he's got right in on top of the defender to get his goal.
"It's a massive three points for us, after Tuesday night, which was disappointing, but we've responded in the right way. It wasn't a classic but it was one we had to win I felt because we have some tough games coming up."
Scunthorpe boss Mark Robins told BBC Radio Humberside:
"I'm absolutely disappointed because I don't think that they've had to work hard to win. The first goal from a free kick was a one-in-a-million strike.
"The games come thick and fast and everyone loves that when you're winning but, when you're not, it gives you the opportunity to turn things around.
"We're not going to panic. We have to get back to grinding out results."
Line-ups
Crewe
Formation 4-3-1-2
- 44Rachubka
- 7Turton
- 4Davis
- 3Guthrie
- 24Leigh
- 30Tate
- 20Jones
- 42Grant
- 28NessSubstituted forStewartat 90+4'minutes
- 35AjoseSubstituted forAtkinsonat 88'minutes
- 25HaberSubstituted forDalla Valleat 90+4'minutes
Substitutes
- 8Atkinson
- 10Inman
- 11Cooper
- 12Dalla Valle
- 17Waters
- 19Baillie
- 33Stewart
Scunthorpe
Formation 4-3-3
- 26Daniels
- 33Clarke
- 6Canavan
- 37Davey
- 17Townsend
- 15Evans
- 22O'Neil
- 35OsbourneBooked at 19minsSubstituted forBishopat 68'minutes
- 9Madden
- 10van VeenSubstituted forWoottonat 76'minutes
- 28McSheffreySubstituted forAdelakunat 67'minutes
Substitutes
- 12Bishop
- 14Hawkridge
- 16Adelakun
- 25Boyce
- 29Wootton
- 32Llera
- 39Anyon
- Referee:
- Richard Clark
- Attendance:
- 4,213
Match Stats
Home TeamCreweAway TeamScunthorpe
- Possession
- Home53%
- Away47%
- Shots
- Home9
- Away16
- Shots on Target
- Home4
- Away5
- Corners
- Home5
- Away10
- Fouls
- Home9
- Away15
Live Text
Post update
Full Time
Second Half ends, Crewe Alexandra 2, Scunthorpe United 0.
Post update
Attempt missed. Paddy Madden (Scunthorpe United) right footed shot from the centre of the box misses to the left.
Substitution
Substitution, Crewe Alexandra. Lauri Dalla Valle replaces Marcus Haber.
Substitution
Substitution, Crewe Alexandra. Anthony Stewart replaces Jamie Ness.
Post update
Foul by Jamie Ness (Crewe Alexandra).
Post update
George Evans (Scunthorpe United) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Post update
Attempt missed. George Evans (Scunthorpe United) left footed shot from outside the box misses to the left.
Post update
Foul by Chris Atkinson (Crewe Alexandra).
Post update
Conor Townsend (Scunthorpe United) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Post update
Corner, Scunthorpe United. Conceded by Paul Rachubka.
Post update
Attempt saved. Liam O'Neil (Scunthorpe United) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top right corner.
Post update
Chris Atkinson (Crewe Alexandra) wins a free kick on the right wing.
Post update
Foul by Conor Townsend (Scunthorpe United).
Substitution
Substitution, Crewe Alexandra. Chris Atkinson replaces Nicky Ajose.
Post update
Attempt missed. Alex Davey (Scunthorpe United) header from the centre of the box misses to the left following a corner.
Post update
Corner, Scunthorpe United. Conceded by Harry Davis.
Post update
Attempt missed. Niall Canavan (Scunthorpe United) right footed shot from the centre of the box misses to the right following a corner.
Post update
Corner, Scunthorpe United. Conceded by Alan Tate.
Post update
James Jones (Crewe Alexandra) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
