Salford’s automatic play-off hopes were dented as they went down to a 1-0 defeat at Crewe.

Emre Tezgel's first-half strike for the Railwaymen proved decisive with the goalscorer also hitting the woodwork twice in the second period.

Salford started brightly with Princewill Ehibhatiomhan curling an effort past the post and Ryan Graydon forcing keeper Ian Lawlor to save his angled drive with a boot.

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Crewe went ahead in the 14th minute when Matt Young was beaten as Tommi O'Reilly recycled the ball back into the box and Tezgel's volleyed effort flew through the keeper's hands to creep over the line.

Tezgel threatened again soon after firing just wide.

The Ammies responded and Graydon attempted an audacious lob which landed on the top of the Crewe net.

Tezgel went close again after the interval, sprinting clear and driving across the face of goal before team-mate James Connolly applied a headed finish to some neat build up play, only to be ruled offside.

Crewe looked more likely to add to their lead with Josh March failing to punish a mistake by Young and Matus Holicek hitting an effort against the bar.

Then Tezgel was desperately unlucky as he drove a corner against the post and then thumped the upright with his follow-up.

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