James Collins gives us his post-match reaction following disappointing 2-0 defeat

" Following the 2-0 defeat to the Red Devils, James told the club's official web-site:

First-team coach James Collins says that the Crewe Alexandra players 'have to pass a lot better than that' following a 2-0 defeat to Crawley Town this afternoon. His namesake James Collins helped himself to two of the simplest goals he will ever score to condemn the Railwaymen to their sixth defeat of the season. The result sees Crewe slip to 14th in League Two.
It was awful, pretty much from start to finish. There wasn't a lot in the game early on but no real quality.

"Then we gave a really poor goal away, which set us back, and we could never get it going from there on in.

"We thought we could rally them and get them going for the second half but they didn't produce the football we wanted them to produce.

"We have to play better than that. I can accept losing games of football but I can't accept performances like that.

"We made killer mistakes and we have young players around the team who do make mistakes, and we accept that at Crewe a little bit.

"We can cut out the mistakes but we have to play better than that, it was awful today. There was a lot of backwards passing and there was a lot to do.

"The first goal makes a big difference but there was still no sign of that second half performance. The first half was average at best but the second there was no 'home team' coming out and showing that real passion and drive.

"I want them to show their ability and if they fail they fail, but what they can't do is fail by not having a right go.

"It's as frustrating as it gets because there is no sign of it in the week. They've had a decent week's training, looked ready for it and even in the warm up looked especially lively. Then they produce that.

James added: "They are not not trying. I think they are capable of better than that, I should hope so, and they have to do better next time they play."