Toots left wondering how we have lost our last two games by heavy margin

Crewe Alexandra’s most consistent performer this season, Matt Tootle, says the Alex dressing room has to remain upbeat following three successive defeats, the last two ending in 4-0 defeats. The Crewe full-back, who switched back over to the left for Tuesday’s trip to Fleetwood in the Football League Trophy says: “We have to try to stay upbeat and go again. We definitely have to get the past games out of our minds, when you are struggling you want games.

“The goals are a massive concern to us. I'd like to say it is not all about the defence. I'd say some of the lads have played quite well in the last two games but we have still lost 4-0 in both of them. It has been difficult to explain but You have to look at the entire team and try to shore things up.

“There are 10 or so games gone and it looks bleak at the moment, I know that, but we have to stick together and go again. It is going to be difficult and we will find out a lot about people. We have to use the experience we have. It is good to have Duggy back because he is a good talker, the older ones have to stand up and be counted and I put myself in that bracket. We have to turn it round.

“I think it is a confidence issue and I am sure we can get it back, it is just a matter of time and patience for everyone. Most importantly we have to take it game by game.”