Theo Vassell marked his debut with the only goal as Barrow beat last season’s League Two play-off finalists Crewe 1-0 at Holker Street.

A pre-season signing from Salford, defender Vassell converted a 22nd-minute corner delivered by another Cumbrian newcomer, Connor Mahoney.

Barrow’s win was a third successive triumph on the opening day of a new season and made it an ideal start for Stephen Clemence in his first game in charge since replacing Pete Wild over the summer.

But the home side had to work hard for victory. Kane Hemmings headed a Shilow Tracey cross against the crossbar in his first appearance for the visitors with the score still at 0-0.

And the lively Tracey saw a curling right-foot effort rattle an upright just before the interval.

Tracey also went close to a second half-equaliser as Lee Bell’s side tried in vain to avoid defeat.

Mahoney tested Crewe goalkeeper Filip Marshall as Barrow, whose run of just two points from their final seven games of last season cost them a play-off place, eventually cemented a first home win since March 29.