See how the press reported our 1-0 win

The Sentinel

STEVE Davis says patience was the key as Crewe side-stepped a potential banana skin to advance in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.

The Alex were heavy favourites to advance past Accrington Stanley, but had to wait until the closing stages to break the deadlock, thanks to Chuks Aneke's towering header, which sealed a 1-0 win.

Davis, who has never lost a JPT tie since taking over as manager in 2011, believes his side had earned the victory  and was happy with the focus they had shown to pull it off.

He said: "When teams  drop off and defend like Accrington did we had to stay patient and keep plugging away.

"It can be frustrating for the fans, frustrating for us, frustrating for the players, but you just have to keep persevering, keep your concentration at the back because you don't want to make a mistake.

"When a game is 0-0 it's always finely balanced.

"I was just pleased we got the goal I thought we thoroughly deserved thanks to our possession."

Crewe Chronicle

STEVE Davis hopes Crewe Alex's Johnstone's Paint Trophy victory will kick-start their season.

The Railwaymen edged Accrington Stanley 1-0 at Gresty Road on Tuesday to make it through to the second round of the competition they won last term.

It was an unconvincing performance but the manager believes the result could make the difference as they prepare for the visit of Peterborough United on Saturday (3pm).

Davis said: "I think it is a big win and hopefully it will give us a huge confidence boost. It'll give us a lift. These games are banana skins, you can get knocked out very easily.

“I was worried about being at 0-0 and a mistake costing us, and suddenly after dominating possession you are going out. But we were expected to win and we have won. It was never going to be easy.”

Lancashire Telegraph

ACCRINGTON Stanley were beaten by holders Crewe in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy after being forced to finish the game with 10 men.

The Reds had given an impressive account of themselves against League One opposition in the first round tie at Gresty Road, but Crewe made the most of their one-man advantage as Chuks Aneke headed home 11 minutes from time.

Minutes earlier Stanley had seen left back Michael Liddle limp off after they had already used all three substitutes.