Steve Davis wants a repeat level of performance against the current league leaders.

Steve Davis says that Tuesday’s encouraging performance against Southend United gives us real hope as we enter the final months of the season. Crewe were denied all three points when Jack Payne kept his nerve to slot home an injury-time penalty. George Cooper had given the Railwaymen a lead with just four minutes left on the clock with a stunning free-kick.

Although Crewe were dealt that late blow from the penalty spot, Davis was greatly encouraged by the way his side approached the game at Roots Hall and he has asked for a similar level of intensity when the current league leaders Burton Albion arrive in South Cheshire on Saturday.

Steve told crewealex.net: “We have been handed two tough games on paper with Southend away and then Burton. Both have had very good seasons after being promotion and have been flying.

“We went to Southend, who are just outside the play-off places, and gave it a real go. I thought we took the game to them and we went to win the game. The lads were deflated afterwards because it felt like a loss but I was proud of the performance.

“I thought we were terrific and the performance was really encouraging. A display like that gives us real hope and if we can continue to play like that then we have a chance of winning games.

“We have set the level of performance and we need everyone playing well, to their potential. If we can do that then we have every chance.

He added: “It is up to us to find that advantage when we are in possession of the football and cause a team like Burton problems. We will prepare right, like we did for Tuesday’s game and give ourselves the best possible opportunity to get a result.”