Crewe..1 Ipswich..0

KENNY Lunt's stunning free-kick secured Crewe their first league victory of the season against promotion hopefuls Ipswich.

The 23-year-old midfielder stepped up to sink a sweet dipping set piece on 70 minutes, sending the Alex on their way to a fine three points.

It was thoroughly deserved and if last Saturday was anything to go by, Dario Gradi's side will be all right in Division One this time around.

It was one of their best performances on home turf for some time league wise, heart and commitment were evident along with moments of class.

Crewe dominated the first-half against a side tipped by many for a return to the Premiership.

Jones made Ipswich keeper Kelvin Davies work as early as the 2nd minute while Rix's excellent through-ball provided Ashton with a decent opening he blasted wide soon after.

Clayton Ince also had to be on his toes, producing a top-draw stop to deny Darren Bent after his namesake Marcus sparked a goalmouth scramble on 10 minutes.

But that was pretty much it for the Tractor Boys who were seriously under the cosh for the remainder of the first 45 and it showed as George Santos' ugly challenge on Dave Brammer was one of many from Joe Royle's new-look side.

Rix again set up Ashton who soon repaid the favour with the young midfielder's initial shot blocked by defender Richard Naylor on 18 minutes.

Jonah saw another effort deflected wide and only acrobatics from Davies thwarted Ashton's overhead kick on the half-hour mark.

More effort from striker partner Jones went unrewarded before the break; Crewe were unlucky to be still level at that point.

Spaniard Pablo Counago and former Alex player Jermaine Wright were thrown on after the break and made some impact as Ipswich quickly found their stride.

Resiliency paid dividends as Wright made a last-gasp clearance from a Tommy Miller header, Naylor rattled the bar and then Marcus Bent rounded Ince only to see last-man McCready hack his effort off the line.

Despite the storm, Crewe still looked lively on the counter and Lunt's set-piece gave Ashton a free header put wide on 66 minutes.

Rix's skill was too much for Diallo on the outside of the box and Lunt punished the resulting misdemeanour perfectly to send the fans delirious

Ince was called upon twice to preserve Crewe's lead in the latter stages with point blank saves from Bent and Counago.

Eleven fine performances in red shirts, Division One football is back with a bang at the Alexandra.

Crewe: Ince, Wright, McCready, Moses, Foster, Brammer, Cochrane, Lunt, Rix (Bell 90), Ashton, Jones.

Subs not used: Bankole, Varney, Walters, Smart.

Attendance - 6,982.

Guardian Man-of-the-Match: Steve Jones - Worked tirelessly at both ends and an example of commitment