Lee Bell admitted Crewe Alexandra must stop conceding ‘poor’ goals – but says there are no question marks over his players’ commitment.

The Manager was disappointed at the manner of both Walsall goals in the 2-0 defeat at Poundland Stadium on Boxing Day.

Two headers from corners earned the points for the home side, as The Railwaymen slipped to sixth in League Two.

But Bell took exception to the idea that his injury-and-illness hit squad were not giving 100%.

He said: “It was two really poor goals from set plays have cost us the game. We have to address that and quickly. I want players to take responsibility. We have to look at what is killing us at the moment.

“But you can’t question the commitment of the players. I spoke to a couple of fans afterwards who were talking about that – I needed to go and have a civil conversation with them because that’s one thing you can’t question.

“We had players on the pitch who shouldn’t have been - but that’s how dedicated they are.”

Defender Connor O’Riordan and loan midfielder Joe White returned to the side after missing the previous game through illness.

Bell added: “Those two are ill and shouldn’t have been on the pitch but they want to be out there to help their teammates – full credit to them.”