Crewe Alexandra 2 Grimsby Town 0

FIRST-HALF goals from Chris Porter and Brad Walker gave Crewe a further cushion above the League Two relegation zone.

Both players marked their recalls by getting on the scoresheet to see off Grimsby at Gresty Road.

The result means The Alex, who sit 19th in the table, are now nine points clear of the drop zone.

Porter gave the hosts the lead early on, converting Zoumana Bakayogo's cross for his 11th goal of the season, to set the tone for a match Crewe dominated.

Defender Walker's goal was even better, striking home a sweet volley after Mariner's keeper Ben Killip could only palm George Cooper's free kick into his path.

Indeed, Crewe could have extended their lead after the break but Cooper struck the post with a curling effort.

The Alex's next game sees them travel to Carlisle United on Saturday, January 13.