Mallik Wilks’ scored a late header to give Hull a narrow 1-0 Sky Bet League One victory at home to Crewe and maintain their winning start to the season.

Substitute Thomas Mayer’s lovely cross from the right after 81 minutes teed up Wilks for a precise diving header just outside the six-yard box.

Defeat was a touch harsh on Crewe, who created the better chances throughout the game.

Wilks should nonetheless have given Hull an early lead when his point-blank-range shot was impressively smothered by Will Jaaskelainen.

Crewe nearly scored moments later when a long ball from the back was not dealt with. Owen Dale was quick to seize upon the uncertainty but his goalbound hit was well saved by Matt Ingram.

The visitors then went even closer when Mikael Mandron failed by inches to connect with Dale’s threaded pass from the left after 33 minutes.

Hull improved after the restart, with centre-back Jordy De Wijs squandering a good chance with a back-post header after a fine cross from George Honeyman.

The game appeared to be drifting towards a goalless draw, but Wilks’ intervention maintained his side’s 100 per cent start to the season as they sit third on goal difference.