Francois Zoko's early goal proved to be the difference as Stevenage beat Crewe Alexandra 1-0 at Broadhall Way to improve their relegation chances.

League One's bottom club are now six points adrift of safety, with Crewe the team immediately above the bottom four and in their sights.

Zoko struck with just four minutes on the clock as he found himself in the right place at the right time to smash home from inside the area after good interplay between Michael Doughty and Luke Freeman.

Stevenage continued to press as debutant Bira Dembele released Jimmy Smith with a long ball over the top of the Crewe defence, but the midfielder fluffed his volley when through one on one.

Crewe's Arsenal loanee Chuks Aneke struck the post with a header from six yards, minutes after spurning a good equalising chance when he glanced a delivery from Byron Moore wide of the near post.

Alex continued to be an aerial threat as Mathias Pogba's looped header landed on the roof of the net, and he and Aneke each came close to levelling the scores but the hosts hung on for three precious points.