A headed goal from centre-back Adam Dugdale this evening has given Crewe Alexandra a one-goal advantage ahead of their return leg at Southend United in the League One playoffs.
In an opening half of very few chances, the best opportunity fell to Southend's Kane Ferdinand. However, the cousin of Premier League defenders Rio and Anton was unable to keep his header from six yards out on target.
Dugdale punished Ferdinand's miss just two minutes after the restart when his floated effort from a lofted pass by Ashley Westwood evaded visiting goalkeeper Cameron Belford and dropped into the net.
Jay Leitch-Smith had the chance to double Crewe's lead in the 66th minute, but on this occasion Belford was able to get down and parry his low shot to safety.
Up the other end Bilel Mohsni spurned a good chance to draw the Shrimpers level 11 minutes from time when he headed a cross from Ryan Hall over from the centre of goal.
Hall had a chance himself as time ran out, but Crewe goalkeeper Steve Phillips moved his body down to his left to turn the ball around the post and preserve his side's lead.
The teams will meet again at Roots Hall on Wednesday night.
Liam Apicella
