Luca Moore gives Crewe late Carabao Cup win over Accrington

When Farrend Rawson’s second-half effort drew the visitors level following Jack Lankester’s penalty, a tie Lee Bell’s men dominated for long periods appeared destined to end in spot-kicks.

But there was late drama five minutes from the end of normal time when Moore pounced just as John Doolan’s side seemed to be gathering momentum after a slow start.

Unbeaten during a pre-season campaign which had not seen their defence breached, Accrington’s resolve was nevertheless quickly tested by opponents who shattered that impressive run of clean sheets only six minutes into the game.

Having already been thwarted by Louie Moulden, Josh Marsh was then impeded by Devon Matthews as he battled to reach a Calum Agius cross. Lankester converted from 12 yards out to hand Crewe a deserved early lead, despite Accrington’s protests that the contact between the pair began outside of the box.

As his partnership with Agius continued to wreak havoc, March saw an overhead kick rebound off the crossbar and his team-mate sliced wide from close range.

Accrington announced their arrival in the contest when Josh Woods had a shot deflected behind for a corner. Headline signing Cole Stockton also became more of a presence but their performance remained tepid until Rawson turned home Stefan Mols’ 65th-minute corner at the near post to equalise.

However, Moore climbed highest to meet Lewis Billington’s cross during the closing stages and guided home past Moulden.