Crewe Alexandra picked up their first points of the season with victory over fellow League One strugglers Port Vale at Gresty Road.

The Railwaymen were ahead inside six minutes thanks to a well-taken free kick from George Ray, which found the top corner of Chris Neal's net.

On 18 minutes, Alex had doubled their lead when Matt Tootle's cross found Vadaine Oliver, who headed the ball into the top corner.

It was almost three when Billy Waters's header crashed against the crossbar.

Port Vale should have pulled a goal back just after the half-hour mark when they were awarded a penalty after Jordan Slew was brought down by Ray, but the forward saw his spot kick saved by Ben Garratt.

Slew made up for his miss from 12 yards by scoring moments later as he rifled a shot into the bottom corner of the net.

Port Vale tried to find an equaliser in the second half, but despite the best efforts of Mark Marshall and Carl Dickinson, Crewe held on for victory to close to within two points of the Staffordshire club in the League One table.