SECOND-HALF goals from John Marquis and Marcus Harness consigned Crewe to their first defeat of the 2021/22 campaign at Fratton Park today.

Alex boss Dave Artell admitted his side were deservedly beaten by one of League One's promotion favourites on an afternoon when they created few clear openings and failed to trouble Pompey keeper Gavin Bazunu.

Mikael Mandron lifted a set-piece header over in the first-half, but Crewe were under pressure as the interval approached with Will Jaaskelainen thwarting Harness.

They fell behind in the 48th minute when Marquis drove in off the post after taking a pass from Ryan Tunnicliffe.

Former Fulham and Luton midfielder Tunnicliffe also set up the hosts' second, supplying Harness for a shot which evaded the grasp of Jaaskelainen (65).

Marquis headed wide late on, but it was academic as the game had slipped out of Crewe's reach.

"We have to be better in possession and we have some work to do. I've learnt a few things today and we have to get better," said boss Artell, who also revealed to the Alex's official web site that Owen Dale had to be withdrawn before the break after choosing to start the game despite feeling the effects of a sickness bug.

The Alex are on the road again on Tuesday when they travel to the Kassam Stadium to face Oxford.