Crewe..2 Wrexham..0

DEAN Ashton and Steve Jones saw Crewe through to the Second Round of the Carling Cup at the expense of plucky Wrexham at the Alexandra Stadium on Tuesday night.

Ashton's sweet conversion of a 52nd minute penalty was pivotal and a spectacular finish from strike partner Jones, two minutes from time, wrapped up a big confidence booster for Dario Gradi's side.

For both players to get off the mark was a huge plus as the weight of goals rests firmly on their shoulders if the Alex are to enjoy a successful return to Division One.

Even at this early stage, that looked questionable after a dire first half against Denis Smith's newly-promoted Second Division outfit.

Despite early pressure, Crewe's attacking play was seriously poor with a lack of end product evident.

Both Justin Cochrane and Darren Ferguson were early bookings within the first 7 minutes in a committed opening spell while Pejic's clumsy challenge on Jones in the box could well have yielded an early pen.

It took 25 minutes before any opening of note occurred; Lunt's fine ball through to Jones presented a great chance that the striker should have done better with.

Brammer's weak effort on 40 minutes was collected by Andy Dibble, the Alex's only chance on target during a forgettable first 45 minutes.

Both teams looked more assertive after the break as Pejic wasted a decent chance early on and Brammer set up Ashton for a looping header that was caught by Dibble.

Ben Rix was Crewe's most enterprising player and his work in and around the box earned an all important penalty on 51 minutes, Ferguson hacked him down giving the ref no alternative.

Deano's conversion was crucial, not only had it given Crewe the lead but they were sparked into life.

Jones began to look deadly with better service and had claims for another spot kick soon after before going close to netting a top Brammer ball on the hour.

In between a display of decent one touch football from the Alex, Wrexham had a chance to level.

A great ball from Lawrence released Hector Sam one-on-one and he looked a cert only to hit the bar from 10 yards out.

That was pretty much it for the in-form Welsh side who lost all discipline throughout the remaining 25 minutes.

Jones saw another decent penalty claim turned away while Cochrane kept his head in the wars with the visitors conceding one free-kick after another.

Sam was Wrexham's only outlet and created a few scary moments at the death before Jonah picked up Foster's clearance, raced down the pitch and produced the perfect chip to beat an advancing Dibble for victory.

Wrexham boss Denis Smith and then defender Brian Carey were dismissed late on as their tempers flared; Crewe deserved their place in Saturday's Second Round draw.

Crewe: Ince, Wright, Vaughan, Moses, Foster, Cochrance, Brammer, Lunt, Rix, Jones, Ashton (McCready 75)

Subs not used - Bankole, Bell, Varney, Robinson.

Attendance - 3,152.

Guardian Man of the Match: Ben Rix - Instrumental in Crewe's best work, demonstrated when winning pivotal penalty.