Jack Lankester wasted no time setting the tone as Crewe Alexandra opened their League Two clash against Bristol Rovers with a goal inside the first minute. His strike after just 38 seconds at Mornflake Stadium put Crewe ahead and set them on course for a 3-1 victory, ending a frustrating run of six consecutive draws.
Lankester’s early goal was followed by a second from the penalty spot later in the match, securing his brace and maintaining his impressive scoring form this season. Jordan Gibson added a third for the home side after halftime, putting the game further out of reach. Bristol Rovers managed a late consolation through Bobby Kamwa, who scored from an extraordinary position midway inside his own half, but it was too little, too late.
The win moved Crewe up to third place in the League Two table, a significant boost after the sequence of draws against Port Vale, Walsall, York City, Colchester United, Shrewsbury Town, and Rotherham United. Lankester acknowledged the importance of the victory, telling BBC Radio Stoke: "That's what we've needed. I think it's been coming."
He added: "I said before the game, the draws look a lot better if we come away with a win and that's what we did. Suddenly we're still undefeated and in a great position in the league."
Lankester's contributions have been central to Crewe’s recent performances. His brace against Bristol Rovers was his second this season after scoring twice against Aston Villa's Under-21 side in the EFL Trophy just 11 days earlier. Those goals have helped him to five in 11 games this season, a significant improvement after an injury-hit previous campaign.
Despite being on course for a hat-trick in this match, Lankester was substituted shortly after the hour mark for Conor Thomas. He explained the decision, emphasizing team strategy over personal milestones: "I'd love to get a hat-trick but the way the game was going the personnel change – bring CT on – just solidifies us as a team. The most important thing is coming away with three points and that's what we did."
Crewe’s manager will welcome the return to winning ways as the team looks to maintain their unbeaten start to the season. Lankester’s knack for scoring at home is clear, with all five of his goals so far coming at Mornflake Stadium. The midfielder’s confidence appears to be growing, and his form is a timely boost for Crewe’s ambitions in League Two this season.
According to Yahoo Sports.
