Kenny Lunt's side must now beat Colchester at home in their final game of the season on Saturday and hope Sheffield United lose their final two games against Watford and Hull respectively to reach the end of season knock-out competition.

The Alex began the game like a runaway train, racing into a 3-0 half-time lead despite goalkeeper Scott Wardley luckily avoiding a straight red card on 17 minutes after rushing out and bringing down the striker outside the box.

Lewis Reilly struck the first on 21 minutes, beautifully curling a free-kick into the top corner from outside the area before the man of the moment Owen Dale grabbed his usual goal four minutes later for 2-0.

Four minutes before the break and The Alex effectively made the game safe, Josh Lundstram winning the ball back and playing a through ball to Luke Walley who slotted past the advancing goalkeeper.

The Sky Blues grabbed a consolation goal 15 minutes from full-time when two substitutes combined for a tap-in, but Crewe comfortably held out to record the victory and put the ball back into Sheffield United's court.

Crewe: Wardley, Morgan, Quinn, Wilkinson, Neal, Pickering (Lynch, 76), Lundstram, Lowery, Dale, Reilly, Walley