Alex boss says that there are signs that Crewe are improving as a defensive unit.

Steve Davis says there are signs that Crewe Alexandra are becoming better defensively after working tirelessly out on the training ground this summer. The Crewe Alexandra boss was disappointed to concede the majority of goals in pre-season from set plays and then so late on at Stevenage on Saturday.

A very late consolation goal from Charlie Lee was the only disappointment in our 2-1 defeat on the opening day of the season. Over the course of the 90 minutes, we probably deserved the clean-sheet with Ben Garratt called into action on only a few occasions.

Ahead of our EFL Cup encounter at Sheffield United this evening, Steve told the club’s official web-site: “We have done a lot of work out on the training ground to improve us defensively and I think that showed at Stevenage. They found it difficult to get in behind us and Ben didn’t have a lot of saves to make.

“I was pleased with the way we defended as a team and we know our goals against column has to improve. As a former defender I know it had to get better.

“We have worked hard on defending as team, as a unit. It is all about the eleven. We have relied too much on the back four in the past.

He added: “The front two start it. They are willing runners and they work hard to be the first line of defence. The midfield four know their jobs and although it is ongoing with the wingers, they are giving it a good go and want to learn. There are signs of improvement but it is something we have to keep working on.”