Crewe Alexandra started their EFL League Two campaign with victory in front of 872 away fans - thanks to a top performance and goal from a new Premier League loanee.

The Railwaymen defeated Rochdale 2-1 at The Spotland Stadium on Saturday (July 30) - with goals coming from Dan Agyei and Brentford winger Lachlan Brook.

Crewe started the stronger of the two sides on the opening day with five of the club's summer signings featuring in the starting eleven.

Dan Aygei celebrating Crewe's first goal of the season (Crewe Alex).

Arsenal goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo made his professional debut just one day after signing on loan from Arsenal.

Centre-back, Rodney McDonald and midfielder, Connor Thomas, both made their Crewe debuts - putting in solid displays.

Kelvin Mellor made his second debut, impressing on his return to the Alex.

The Goals:

Dan Agyei put the Railwaymen 1-0 up with a bullet-header after just 14 minutes - following a teasing Callum Ainley free-kick.

July loan signing, Lachlan Brook, from Brentford, scored from another Callum Ainley assist to put Crewe 2-0 up after just 22 minutes.

The 5'8" winger received Ainley's pass with his right-foot, before cutting inside of his man with his left - drilling the ball home from the edge of the penalty area.

Crewe Alexandra's goalscorers versus Rochdale. Dan Agyei and Lachlan Brook (Crewe Alex).

Lachlan Brook

Crewe Alexandra manager, Alex Morris, was delighted with Brooks's debut performance.

Morris told Crewe Alexandra's website: "With Lachlan, I'd have preferred him to take his second chance, the one where he missed near the six-yard box.

"We have been telling him to get inside the box more often when the ball is on the opposite side to him.

"We want him to get close-range tap-ins and end up in the goal with the ball.

Crewe Alexandra manager, Alex Morris, was delighted with his side's performance (Crewe Alex).

"We know he can score the type of goal that he did get but we want to add variety.

"If he does that he will get in double figures and will be a great asset to the club."

Shortly before half-time, Brook had a great opportunity to double his tally from a low Zak Williams cross.

This time he got his effort horribly wrong. Crewe held on in the second-half to take the three points.

Crewe Alexandra next face Harrogate Town at home (August 6), before travelling to Grimsby Town next Tuesday - August 9 (Ryan Parker).

The Manager's Verdict:

Morris added: "The first half was excellent.

"The second half will look different in a few weeks if we are 2-0 up away from home, we'll make sure of that because we became ragged and stopped doing the things that we'd asked them to.

"They'll learn, but what they did do is dig in and throw bodies on the line to ensure we got the win."

Crewe's home pitch is in great shape ahead of the first home game of the season this weekend - August 6 (Ryan Parker).

Crewe Alexandra host Harrogate Town at The Mornflake Stadium this Saturday (August 6).

READ MORE: Nine jobs to apply for in Crewe this week.

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