Alex Morris says he cannot question the determination and passion of his Crewe Alexandra players, as they strive to develop as a team.

The manager admitted he was frustrated at Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Gillingham, because they didn’t play the attacking football is looking for.

But he made it clear they couldn’t be trying any harder.

Morris said: “It’s another draw, and draws don’t get you anywhere in this league. We need to get some positive momentum from winning games. 

“It was another tough watch, particularly in the second half. It’s a similar performance to the one we saw at Carlisle the week before.

“We didn’t have any penetration; we didn’t get into the final third often enough. We changed the formation three times to try to get bodies in certain areas of the pitch, we made changes early to try to get some momentum in the game - but we never did. 

“But if you gave the players marks for effort, desire, determination and organisation, we’d be right up there every week. They give us absolutely everything day in, day out. 

“We know our supporters want to see the football transmit onto the pitch as well, but this is where the boys are at right now, and we are trying exceptionally hard to get some attacking front-foot football. It’s not as easy as people think. 

“They care as much as any Crewe Alexandra team I’ve ever known, and naturally it disappoints them that they can’t hit the heights we all want them to hit at the moment.”