Wimbledon..3 Crewe..1

CREWE wilted in their Division One opener as terminal Wimbledon found some salvation in their miserable plight, last Saturday.

The Alex's return to the Football League's top flight was somewhat of a surreal experience as a shocking crowd of just 1,145 turned out to witness a game that at least felt like a pre-season affair.

Unfortunately though this was business and near half that number left for South Cheshire disappointed by a below par performance from Dario Gradi's boys.

Blazing heat, a weird atmosphere and no Dean Ashton.

Plausible excuses but not enough to cover up a dire second-half display that deserved no points.

Stark contrast to the first 45 that suggested Crewe would be the only winners of a tight match at the Dons' temporary base at Selhurst Park.

Some great football was played in the build-up before Dave Brammer's superb opener on 8 minutes.

The captain has looked sharp throughout pre-season and made mincemeat of the Don's defence, skipping past three or four with Rix's ball before cutting in and burying it past keeper Banks.

Six minutes later and Wimbledon were level through similar solo heroics as Agyemang weaved his way through, finally fooling disappointing debutant Adie Moses to net in style.

Shocking defending but Crewe didn't dwell and made the better chances before the break.

David Vaughan's wicked free-kick was deflected fractionally wide and Justin Cochrane released Steve Jones for a fine run down the right that was ended with a strike whistling past the far post.

Neither side had much to shout about after the break until midfielder Alex Tapp unleashed a 30-yard blockbuster from nowhere to take Ince by surprise and establish a 2-1 lead on 55 minutes.

Seven minutes later and it was all but over.

Straight from Lunt's free-kick, the Dons broke as Nowland found Reo-Coker who's initial touch rebounded kindly off Foster's boot which he leathered 25-yards into the top corner.

Jones almost handed Crewe a lifeline before Banks denied them the very same with a top draw save to keep out Foster's close-ranger header on 70 minutes.

Perhaps a pivotal moment, defeat loomed from then onwards as Agyemang almost punished Moses for a second time before both he and Robinson made way after uninspiring outings.

Homeward bound pointless, Crewe at least know where their problems lie.

Back-up is essential and needs bringing in quickly.

Crewe: Ince, Wright, Vaughan, Foster, Moses (McCready 81), Brammer, Cochrane (Bell 87), Rix, Lunt, Robinson (Varney 75), Jones.

Subs not used: Bankole, Walters. Attendance: 1,145.

Guardian Man-of-the-Match: Steve Jones - Plenty of work, needs help.