Mickey Demetriou believes team spirit was a key factor behind Crewe Alexandra’s FA Cup success at Derby County.

The Railwaymen travelled to Pride Park without seven injured players and Connor O’Riordan, who was on international duty.

But that did not stop them from producing a big cup shock, as an impressive display earned a 3-1 victory.

Demetriou said: “It was a massive win and it’s nice to be in the next round.

“We deserved it, we came with a gameplan. We have a few injured, which is a shame, but it gives others a chance to come in and do their thing. Aaron (Rowe) came in and was brilliant and scored two goals.  

“The boys have welcomed me here from day one and we have proved that whoever is out there on the pitch, we are there as a team. We didn’t want to come here to make the numbers up.”

The big defender headed home his sixth of the season to make it 3-1 and put Crewe in a commanding position at Derby.

Demetriou added: “It’s nice to chip in with goals when I can. Us defenders pride ourselves on defending well first and foremost and if we can chip in with a few goals that is a bonus.”