³ÉÈËÂÛ̳

Crewe Alexandra are on track for a play-off push in League One thanks to victory over Shrewsbury with a goal from Owen Dale.

Harry Chapman almost put Shrewsbury into a first-minute lead as he ran clear of the Crewe defence, before chipping his effort wide.

Daniel Powell forced Matija Sarkic into his first save of the night after 15 minutes, before David Artell's play-off chasers edged ahead midway through the half.

The hosts failed to deal with a simple right-wing cross and Owen Dale capitalised to tap home unmarked at the back post.

Long-range efforts from Shaun Whalley and Ollie Norburn threatened the Crewe goal moments into the second period, with Shrewsbury turning up the heat on their visitors.

Whalley again went close but the home side's pressure came to nothing - to leave former Shrewsbury defender David Artell's men level on points with Sunderland, who occupy the final League One play-off spot.

Shrewsbury suffered their first home league defeat in seven games - but they have now won just one of their four league and cup games since boss Steve Cotterill was admitted to hospital in mid-January.

Match report supplied by PA Media.