Ronnie Moore's Tranmere maintained their unbeaten start in a hard-fought goalless draw with newly-promoted Crewe.

Clear-cut chances were at a premium and Rovers had one of the best after just three minutes, but Jake Cassidy volleyed Abadulai Bell-Baggie's cross wide.

Crewe responded instantly with A-Jay Leitch Smith combining with Max Clayton but the latter's snapshot took a late deflection into the side netting.

Harry Davis headed over for Alex before Clayton ballooned a long-range effort shot high and wide.

In the second half Matt Tootle almost won it for Crewe but he could not connect with Brendon Daniels' cross from six yards out while Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro headed straight at Alan Martin at the death.