Crewe 0-0 Portsmouth: Crewe worthy of home point

Portsmouth were left frustrated by a spirited Crewe display as Paul Cook's highly-fancied side were held to a goalless draw in the Sky Bet League Two match at Gresty Road.

Substitute Curtis Main went the closest with a second half header - but the Railwaymen, who have started the campaign in promising fashion after last season's relegation, were worthy of a point.

Portsmouth took an early grip on the game with Michael Smith close to connecting with Kal Naismith's driven cross.

Crewe posed problems on the break through the strike pairing of Ryan Lowe and Chris Dagnall - and the latter flicked a George Cooper cross just past the post.

Christian Burgess got in the way of a Charlie Kirk effort, while at the other end Milan Lalkovic's effort dropped onto the roof of the net.

Lowe conjured up an equally ambitious effort when spotting David Forde off his line, driving a couple of yards past the post from 40 yards out.

Portsmouth moved up a gear after the break - but when Gary Roberts did slip Michael Doyle in on goal a timely block from Harry Davis prevented the Pompey skipper from getting his shot away.

Main glanced a header past the far post after Carl Baker's corner was flicked into his path and later the striker almost turned the ball in from close range.

However, Crewe were still a threat and Billy Bingham's blast forced a save out of Forde.