Crewe Alexandra were dumped out of the EFL Cup first round after losing for the first time this season - much to the disappointment of the management team.

The Railwaymen were defeated 4-0 away to Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup last night (August 9) - with all the goals coming from set-pieces.

Crewe made seven changes to the side that beat Rochdale 2-1 and Harrogate 3-0 - handing professional debuts to Charlie Finney and Joel Tabiner.

Summer signing, Courtney Baker-Richardson, started for the first time last night - August 9 (Kevin Warburton).

80 travelling supporters saw new signings Charlie Colkett, Khanya Leshabela and Courtney Baker-Richardson make their first Alex starts.

Squad regulars, Oliver Finney and Regan Griffiths, were also given the opportunity to make a positive impression to the management staff.

Crewe never really got going and were punished from goals by Luke Waterfall (13), Kieran Green (34), Andrew John Smith (56) and Stephen Wearne (86) - without reply.

The Manager's Verdict:

Alex Morris was disappointed with the result at Blundell Park - but was confident the mistakes seen in the cup clash won't be repeated.

Morris told Crewe Alexandra's website: "It was a disappointing night all round, but it's not a disaster.

Crewe Alexandra manager, Alex Morris, believes his players will bounce back from this heavy defeat (Kevin Warburton).

"It's only becomes a disaster if you allow this type of thing to continue.

"We don't think this group, in terms of how we have recruited and the characters and culture and environment we have spoken about so often, will allow that to be the case."

New Signing Injury Blow:

Crewe suffered a blow when new midfield signing, Colkett, went off injured in the 51st minute.

Morris said: "I don't know what injury it was or the extent of it. I've not had a chance to speak to Charlie since it happened.

"I will have to find out more on that before I can give more information."

Goalkeeeper, Arthur Okonkwo, was one of four Crewe players to start from the 3-0 victory over Harrogate Town (Kevin Warburton).

Only Arsenal loanee, Arthur Okonkwo, Kelvin Mellor, Rodney McDonald and Luke Offord kept their places from the Harrogate victory.

Zac Williams, Bassala Sambou, Tariq Uwakwe, Callum Ainley and Dan Agyei all came on early in the second half - aiming to change the sides fortunes.

How Will Crewe Bounce Back?

Morris added: "This is the first big challenge they've got to overcome in terms of disappointment.

"It has all gone swimmingly before this, with two league wins and all the optimism and belief that comes with that.

"I said the players the most important lesson they can learn from a defeat of that manner is by ensuring you don't repeat it.

"I have faith in those players being humbled by it and working exceptionally hard to make sure those mistakes aren't repeated in future.

24-year-old, Oliver Finney, started for Crewe alongside this brother, Charlie Finney, against Grimsby Town (Kevin Warburton).

"We fully intend to ensure that our momentum returns to an upwards trajectory when we visit Salford."

NEXT UP: Crewe face a trip to Salford City's Moor Lane in their third EFL League Two match of the campaign this Saturday (August 13).

READ MORE: Popular local 'Duck Race and Children's Model Boat Race' - to make long-awaited return after pandemic.

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