Crewe Alexandra 2-0 Walsall

First-half goals from Rod McDonald and Chris Long gave Crewe a third win in four League Two games as they beat 10-man Walsall.

McDonald powered home a header from Callum Ainley's free-kick to give the hosts the lead in the second minute.

The Saddlers responded with Isaac Hutchinson firing a deflected effort just wide and Joe Low planting a header over.

But some poor defending from the visitors - who are now without a win in six games - allowed Long room inside the box to net Crewe's second in the 25th minute when his shot took a deflection off Low and went in the bottom corner.

The hosts continued to threaten as Dan Agyei curled an effort wide and Charlie Finney went close to marking his debut with a goal when his volley was deflected over.

Jamille Matt was close to reducing the deficit just before the interval, but the frontman's effort was diverted around the post by Alex centre-back Luke Offord.

Walsall's plight deepened just after the hour-mark when substitute Joss Labadie was red carded when he picked up his second yellow for a late tackle on Tariq Uwakwe.

Referee Carl Boyeson also reached for his red card to send Walsall's assistant boss Wayne Hatswell to the stand for his protest over Labadie's dismissal.

Crewe could have rubbed it in with more goals as Joel Tabiner arrived onto Agyei's cutback but drove his shot over, while substitute Lachlan Brook was denied by an excellent stop by Saddlers keeper Owen Evans.

For Walsall, Tom Knowles failed to provide a finish to his surging run as he screwed a late effort wide to sum up his side's dismal afternoon.

Match report supplied by PA Media.