Macclesfield 0 Crewe 0

CHANCES arrived for the Alex but they failed to punish Macclesfield in a dress rehearsal for this Saturday's big kick-off.

With a full strength side, Crewe rarely got out of second gear at Moss Rose and will need to capitalise on their breaks when it's for real against better opposition.

Expectations will be high for Rodney Jack this season and he began well, looking fully fit and pacey.

An early lead should have been established by Crewe after 5 minutes as Lunt's squared ball from the right had the forward line queuing up although no-one could get a clean strike on it.

Kearton did well to deny a one-on-one opportunity during a good spell for the home side but when the Alex started passing, they played some quality balls.

A breakthrough almost came on 20 minutes as Rivers touched on Street's cross past keeper Bullock but the ball hit the upright and was promptly cleared.

Around the half-hour it was Rivers again who threatened after picking up a good Sorvel through-ball and forcing Bullock into a fine save.

Two minutes later, an almost identical move saw Rivers' shot well blocked and Hulse's fierce strike of the rebound took a deflection over the bar.

Macc had a reasonable penalty claim turned down when Glover appeared to be felled in the box but play was waved on and Crewe finished strongly as Jack produced another good stop from Bullock just before the break.

The home side enjoyed more of the ball in the second half but rarely managed to breakdown Crewe's rearguard.

As Macauley and Foran were replaced by Sodje and Foster after 70 minutes, Crewe did up the ante in the attacking stakes.

Jack drove a rasping shot goalbound only to be denied by the Macc keeper and sub Little saw his late efforts end the same way.

With a minute to go, Jack started and finished an excellent move but couldn't find a way past man-of-the match Bullock.

Crewe: Kearton (Bankole 81), Wright, Howell, Macauley (Sodje 70), Foran (Foster 70), Street, Lunt, Sorvel, Jack, Hulse (Little 45), Rivers.

Subs not used: Tait, Liddle.

Attendance: 1,457.

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