Lee Bell says his Crewe Alexandra players must hit the standard they set last time out, when AFC Wimbledon visit on Saturday (3pm).

The Manager says the 1-0 victory over Tranmere on New Year’s Day came courtesy of hard work, and he wants to see the same ethic against the Dons.

Bell said: “Our message to the players is they have to continue in the same way that we saw against Tranmere.

“We can’t live off one win, we have to take it into the next game. It’ll be a really tough game, and our work ethic has to be there again.”

Johnnie Jackson’s side lost their 2023 opener at Sutton, but they had previously been 10 unbeaten.

Bell added: “They have a good run and I was impressed with them when we played them and drew 1-1 at their place.

“They are a good team, the second youngest in the division behind us. They are full of energy and have good players, the balance is good and they can counter attack with the pace they have in the team.”