Kelvin Mellor says he is happy with the improvements Crewe Alexandra have been making at both ends of the pitch.

The defender has contributed strongly to an impressive defensive unit which, after a sticky patch, has returned to form.

Nine clean sheets have been kept this term, and The Railwaymen have not conceded a goal in six-and-a-half hours of football.

At the other end, Crewe are ticking along and Mellor himself has assisted two of the last three match-winning goals.

He said: “I’m happy with the way it’s going lately. It’s been tough but we are stuck together and I’m happy we are coming through it.

“Everyone is working hard. Players and staff are putting everything into training and preparation, it’s very thorough and it seems to be working at the moment.  

“The clean sheets are nice and the wins are even better. On a personal note, it’s been nice to be involved in getting goals at the right end of the pitch, too.

“They’ve been tough games, there are no easy games whether it is bottom of the league or nearer the top.

“At the weekend, we knew how Swindon played and we restricted them well. We worked hard on the tactics and it was a nice win.”

Mellor came through the Alex academy and knows interim manager Lee Bell and assistant Alex Morris well.

He added: “Alex stepping down was disappointing and I was gutted with that, but I’m really happy he’s stayed around and is part of it in a different way.

“Belly is renowned for his high standards; I remember that from when I played with him. He wants us to work very hard, and his winning mentality is definitely rubbing off on the players.”