Nicky Ajose missed a penalty but made amends later in the half to give Crewe Alexandra a 1-0 lead at the break against Port Vale.

Mark Marshall had an early chance for Port Vale when he cut inside on his right foot and curled a shot wide.

Chris Birchall also went close for Vale early on when he slid in at the back post to get his shot away, but the midfielder's effort went just wide.

George Ray perhaps should have done better when his close-range effort was saved by Port Vale goalkeeper Chris Neal.

Crewe were awarded a penalty on 23 minutes after Ajose had been fouled by Neal, but the goalkeeper made amends by keeping out the effort.

Marhsall delivered a cross towards Ben Williamson shortly before the half-hour mark, but the striker could not quite get on the end of the inviting delivery.

Ajose made up for his penalty miss six minutes from the half-time whistle when he slipped the ball beyond the goalkeeper, after latching onto Jamie Ness's through pass.