Crewe 2-0 Colchester

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Crewe ended Colchester's unbeaten start to the season with a fine victory at Gresty Road.

Goals from Rob Hulse and Lee Bell helped the Alex end an indifferent start to life in Division Two which had seen them booed off at Gresty Road following the 3-0 defeat by Notts County on Tuesday.

Hulse struck in the ninth minute, sweeping home a shot from close range after strike partner Dean Ashton had powered his way into the box and delivered a low cross.

Colchester dominated possession during the opening half without creating too many chances against an Alex defence marshalled by Sagi Burton and Efe Sodje.

Their best effort came from a powerful header by Scott McGleish which was clawed away by Crewe keeper Clayton Ince.

But it was Crewe who finished the stronger with Ashton hitting the bar with a 25-yard pile driver before Bell clinched the points with his first league goal nine minutes from time.

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Crewe: Ince, Wright, Sodje, Foster, Burton (Jones 59), Sorvel (Bell 75), Lunt, Brammer, Vaughan, Ashton, Hulse (Miles 88).

Subs Not Used: Bankole, Walker.

Goals: Hulse 9, Bell 81.

Colchester: McKinney, Johnson, Warren, White, Stockwell, Keith, Bowry (Rapley 62), Izzet, Pinault, McGleish (Coote 71), Morgan.

Subs Not Used: Brown, Steele, Odunsi.

Booked: Pinault.

Attendance: 5,138.

Referee: G Salisbury (Lancashire).