A DOUBLE from Mikael Mandron secured Crewe their first win in seven games and ensured they finished top of their Papa John's Trophy group.

After the misery of the last month as troubles have been brewing in the league the old adage of "a win is a win" rings true, whatever the tournament and whoever the opposition as well.

This emphatic result should only help improve the morale around Dave Artell's squad and will provide a few pointers for the watching Alex Neil, who has arrived at the Mornflake Stadium to help out the Alex boss and his coaching staff.

Granted a youthful Wolves under-21s, managed by former Alex Academy director James Collins, didn't offer much resistance.

But Crewe had plenty of inexperience on the pitch too with Zac Williams, Nathan Woodthorpe and Joe Robbins making their senior bows in the starting XI, while Joel Tabiner added to the first timers when he came off the bench in the second half.

By then the win had been sealed by two clinical finishes from Mandron, who was scoring for the first time since September 21. The Frenchman turned and fired home in the 12th minute and doubled the lead when polishing off the rebound after hitting the post (36).

There was plenty of energy and intent to a side showing 10 changes from the one which started Saturday's FA Cup exit at the hands of Swindon.

Josh Lundstram thumped the bottom of the post and with J'Neil Bennett tormenting Wolves' Academy players more goals were always likely.

Eventually, Robbins added the third in the closing minutes (79) after a strong run from Callum McFadzean, whose squared past was met with a blistering drive from the midfielder which took a deflection as it flew into the far corner past one-time Crewe loan keeper John Ruddy.

Victory leaves Shrewsbury, who play their final game at Wigan tomorrow night, unable to match Crewe's nine-point tally from their three games.

And topping Northern Group C offers Crewe the benefit of being seeded in the competition's second round draw, which takes place on Saturday (November 13).