Steve Davis wants the courage shown against Coventry to continue

Steve Davis says that seeing his players play with courage against Coventry City was the real positive he has taken from a morale boosting performance. Crewe were excellent from the off against the Sky Blues and deservedly went in at the break 2-0 ahead thanks to first goals of the season from the on-loan Febian Brandy and 17-year-old George Cooper.

Although Davis admits that there was a ‘bit of a wobble’ after the restart when the Sky Blues pulled a goal back after Anthony Grant had deflected a header past Ben Garratt via a free-kick, the Alex boss was delighted with the response.

Steve told the club’s official web-site: “We set the tone against Coventry and managed to catch them out a bit with the way we lined up. We set the foundations of the performance with the tempo we started at and having that high intensity in our game.

“We were ready and the mentality was excellent. They all worked hard but we also showed quality and ability on the ball. I was pleased with the work ethic and our willingness to press them but I was more pleased with the players’ willingness to play with real courage.

“They all wanted the ball, to get on the ball and show some skill. There was a real determination to our play and we have to carry that on.

He added: "There was a bit of wobble at the beginning of the second half when they scored their goal but I was pleased with the response of the players. There wasn't a collapse and another quick goal to follow and that was pleasing. They defended well and got their bodies to shots and made important blocks."