Fleetwood recorded a convincing 4-1 win at promotion-chasing Crewe who were hampered by the loss of striker Shilow Tracey to a serious-looking injury.

First-half strikes from Ryan Graydon and Louie Marsh put the visitors in charge.

Rhys Bennett and substitute Phoenix Patterson added further goals for the Cod Army late in the game before Alex substitute Chris Long’s consolation.

The visitors were ahead in the 11th minute after Elliott Bonds’ persistence on the right saw the midfielder set Graydon clear and the striker dinked a finish past goalkeeper Filip Marschall.

Crewe’s cause was further hit after a sickening injury to Tracey four minutes later. The striker was left writhing after coming off worse in a full-blooded challenge with Danny Mayor and after a lengthy hold-up he was carried off on a stretcher.

On-loan Sheffield United youngster Marsh doubled the lead when sweeping home Graydon’s cut back from the right in the 33rd minute.

Fleetwood sealed their victory when Bennett headed Patterson’s floated free-kick into the top corner in the 79th minute and Patterson fired home from 25 yards with a minute to go.

Long’s stoppage-time tap-in was all Crewe had to show for their efforts on a miserable evening for the Railwaymen.