Boss says a similar performance but different result is the aim in this weekend's local derby

Steve Davis believes that our performance against our local neighbours Port Vale back in November was a catalyst for change. The Alex boss says the news of the Cornwall case being dropped on the Friday before the game and the subsequent spirited display against the Valiants raised the bar considerably.

Despite leading through a spectacular effort from midfielder George Evans Crewe actually lost the game 2-1 at Gresty Road, but the Crewe players were given a standing ovation as they left the field for their efforts. Our performances have certainly improved since that first derby encounter and boss Steve Davis is hoping for a similar display at Vale Park this weekend.

The Alex boss told crewealex.net: “The first local derby came on the back of the case against us being dropped and it was a huge weight off of the shoulders of everyone connected with the club. It resulted in a much better performance from us and we were unlucky to lose the game.

“The supporters fully appreciated the effort and desire of the players to win that game for themselves and for the fans and we just ran out of steam a bit in the last 20 minutes and they got in at the far post to win it.

“Since that game there has certainly been more plusses than negatives and we have performed a lot better. I think we have improved and gone on since then and we can still improve. We are in much better shape now.

The boss added: “Our focus is about going to Vale Park to try and win the game. We will need to show that courage again, to get on the ball and play our football. We know how much this fixture belongs to the fans and it is all about us going there and wanting to do well.”