Steve previews our derby encounter with Port Vale.

Steve Davis says that any derby game is a battle and that the support of the fans is always important. Crewe travel to Vale Park tomorrow, with a decent record over our neighbours in recent seasons. The Railwaymen have only lost once in the last eight outings and have won on our two previous outings to Vale Park.

A calm finish from the on-loan Nicky Ajose gave us the three points last season and the Crewe boss says it is vital that we show a real competitive edge after lack weekend’s lacklustre performance at Peterborough.

Ahead of this weekend’s derby encounter against the Valiants, Steve told the club’s official web-site: “Rob (Page) has a good squad to choose from and he has various options to choose from.

“It will be a battle. It always is in derby games and it is always important that you dig in at times and compete. We didn’t do that enough last weekend and we have got to demonstrate that competitiveness. These type of games demand that. We have done that on our last two visits to Vale Park though and managed to win the games.

“The players have to work hard and show that passion that was lacking last week. I want them to show that passion for the supporters and get a result for the club. If they don't then there is something up with them.

The boss added: “We want to put it right and give our fans the bragging rights. The support is always important in a derby game. They are big games and we know we have got to be a lot better than we were last week if we are going to win the game.”