Midfielder Steven Schumacher says it is vital that the likes of Calvin Zola and Joel Grant stay fit if we are going to push for a play-off spot. Both Grant and Grant returned from recent injuries to score in Saturday's 3-0 win over Darlington. Zola's first half brace took his to 16 goals for the season and winger Grant now has 7 goals and a host of assists to his name.

Without them Crewe had lost to Macclesfield, Dagenham and drew with Hereford United. Schumacher admits that having those two attackers back has made the difference.

Steve told the club's official web-site: "Calvin is a great outlet for us and when he isn't there we don't have the same aerial presence. When the lads are under pressure, we can hit a longer ball up there and Calvin will either get hold of it or try and flick it on for one of the quicker lads.

"He has scored a lot of goals for us and has improved his all-round game. He does a great job for the team and when he is out injured we don't really have anyone like him to come in and do that.

He added: "Joel is different to all the other midfielders we have because he can run with the ball and go past players. He eases the pressure on us by keeping it. Joel can be a match winner too and it is good to have both of them back fit. They are going to be important players for us in the last few months of the season."