MATCH REPORT BY TOBY ROBINSON

FULHAM 2 CREWE ALEX...0

FOR a time it looked like Crewe might just escape with a point from their season opener at Fulham on Saturday.

But that old cliche proved true - the pressure finally told.

A tough debut loomed for Efe Sodje but the Nigerian defender coped with his Division One bow well and gave a man-of-the-match performance.

From the whistle the home side went on the attack and Kearton was forced into early action.

The Aussie keeper made a diving save to deny a header from new boy French striker Saha and four minutes later he produced a great stop, parrying Boa Morte's wicked effort which was then cleared by the Alex defence.

Lewis was causing Crewe some serious problems with his dangerous balls from the left as Fulham completely dominated.

Rivers made the Alex's first break on 20 minutes as he chased through a long ball and smashed a long range volley wide of the target.

It was only a short respite for Kearton who had to deal with further efforts from Saha and a one-on-one with Boa Morte.

Everything was going Fulham's way including some harsh free-kick decision's by a referee that Alex fans were beginning to dislike.

More good work kept out their dead ball efforts and at the other end Jack had a possible penalty appeal waved away after 35 minutes.

Little was replaced by Tait soon after and the move did spark a slight improvement in Crewe's play around the box.

Jack burst down the right-hand side and fired a long-range shot wide of the upright just before the interval.

The Alex made a brighter start after the break and Rivers nearly gave them a dream lead two minutes later, almost burying Wright's cross with a close-range header.

Fulham began the onslaught again but began to grow increasingly erratic as they missed some real sitters.

Hopes that it might not be Tigana's day were dashed after 65 minutes as substitute Barry Hayles finished a well worked move to ease the growing tension his side had endured.

Rob Hulse replaced Street on 71 minutes to partner Tait who had a weak header easily gathered by keeper Taylor almost instantly.

A minute later Saha raced through and beat an advancing Kearton to secure the points.

Crewe's best chance of the game followed soon after as Jack used his pace down the right and threaded a ball into the path of Hulse.

He drove a great shot forcing Taylor into his only work of the afternoon, parrying the ball round the post.

Fulham weren't content and continued to press but Kearton made sure of respectability.

Crewe: Kearton, Wright, Smith, Macauley, Sodje, Street (Hulse 71), Lunt, Sorvel, Jack, Rivers (Collins 83), Little (Tait 36). Suns not used: Bankole, Foster. Att - 11,157.

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