Comment by Jules Hornbrook

PEOPLE tell you to forget about other teams' results, but that's easier said than done.

With just three games to play, it's becoming an obsession among many Alex fans – me included.

Northampton is the key concern, as the Cobblers have two games in hand. Thankfully, they must take points from Leeds, MK Dons and Scunthorpe. No easy task, especially for a team lacking confidence.

There I go again, focusing on another team's fixtures. But it's impossible not to.

We are in the dogfight for a reason and it's only natural to seek any available escape route.

Just a month ago I was convinced we'd pass the finishing line with something to spare.

I was wrong, although I remain confident in what Gudjon Thordarson is trying to achieve.

The back four looks stronger, and I include Dennis Lawrence in that.

Last October I doubted if the Trinidad & Tobago international would improve our side. I was wrong again. He certainly has, but it's perhaps significant that the player has blossomed since the start of the year.

Lawrence has shown that he can be a giant for the Alex in defence. He is now someone I hope the manager can sign on a permanent basis.

Other signs also hint at a positive future. Shaun Miller is banging on the manager's door and Anthony Elding is also keen to play. That's heartening, as it shows that players want to step up and be a part of Thordarson's plans.

Then there's Danny Woodards, a defender most fans rate highly.

A few months ago he was seemingly desperate to quit the club. Was that down to the previous regime?

Something has changed his mind, and as with many things across a productive last four months it looks as though Thordarson has been the catalyst.

So there's much to look forward to if we can bank three survival points this weekend.

Some fans talk about Stockport being a match we can win next Friday. Maybe, but I'd rather see us only needing a point from that evening encounter.

The gaffer has proved he's pretty adept at pulling the shutters down, Swindon being a good example. So taking four points from the next two will do me nicely.

Nothing can be taken for granted, but that needs to be the minimum target.

Staying in League One is top priority for many reasons, namely the feel-good factor among the support, season-ticket sales and allowing Thordarson to recruit better players over the summer.

The carrot is certainly in place, dangling and looking very inviting.

Southampton, Nottingham Forest and Charlton Athletic are facing the drop from the Championship. Leeds are fighting to escape our division, but could well be returning to Gresty Road next season.

The Alex should need no further incentive. Beating Cheltenham and securing the necessary will put one foot in the door.

Other Crewe Alex stories online today:

Donaldson set to play through pain

Ex-Vale hitman Constantine impressed by Thordarson's transformation

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