Crewe Alex: Top chance to bounce back, says Crewe chief

By jowen01 crewe alex jon owen

by Jon Owen

CREWE'S daunting trip to League Two leaders Rochdale on Saturday is just the match to get their season back on track, says Alex assistant boss Steve Davis.

The Railwaymen have taken just four points from a run of three home games, and some fans showed their discontent when they needed an injury-time goal to draw with lowly Torquay on Tuesday.

Davis said Crewe were targeting at least seven points from their last three fixtures, which have been all at home against Darlington, Bournemouth and Torquay.

The Alex made a fine start to the sequence of games, winning 3-0 against Darlington.

But a 2-1 defeat against Bournemouth last Saturday and Tuesday's 1-1 draw with Torquay has left them three points short of where they had hoped.

Rochdale have lost just three games at home this season and are four points clear at the top, but Davis said: "Rochdale are flying at the top, but what a game it would be to bounce back in.

"We've generally done better against the teams nearer the top this season, and teams have gone to Rochdale and taken points this season.

"We haven't done as well as we'd hoped in these latest home games, but Saturday can be a chance to get back on track."

Davis said Shaun Miller's last-gasp goal against Torquay was a sign of the determination in the Alex squad.

A small band of Alex fans voiced their discontent after seeing their side fall a goal behind at the game on Tuesday night.

He explained: "We kept probing throughout the game, especially in the second half, without creating many clear-cut chances.

"But scoring in the last minute shows we've got the ability to keep going, and we need to keep that same mentality until the end of the season."

The draw left Crewe in 15th place in League Two on 35 points, seven off the play-offs zone.

"We are all disappointed when we're not winning, and the fans have the right to voice their opinion," Davis added.

"But we'll keep going and persevering with what we believe."

Meanwhile, Davis says his son, Harry, will benefit from a spell with UniBond Premier League neighbours Nantwich Town.

The 18-year-old centre-half has joined Town from Crewe on loan.

"It's a good opportunity for him to go and play games there and gain experience of playing in a very competitive league."