Lee Bell says Crewe Alexandra must not allow the defeat to Salford to dent belief.

The Railwaymen’s bid to make it five league wins on the spin fell short when The Ammies took a 3-2 victory at Mornflake Stadium.

Goals from Aaron Rowe and Elliott Nevitt proved not enough as Matt Smith scored a hat-trick for the visitors.

But the Alex boss urged his men to put the defeat into perspective as they prepare for next weekend’s trip to Tranmere.

Bell said: “Where (Salford) are in the league doesn’t reflect how good they are, but we had a team performance that was below par; below our standards.

“This league can bite you if you fall below your standards. I’ve asked the players to let it hurt them, but it can’t derail us from what we are trying to achieve. 

“Leading 2-1 at home, you perhaps expect us to score more goals and win the game, but you have to credit the opposition sometimes.

“They ran the game really and slowed everything down. It was the referee’s first game at this level and he has to get hold of that type of stuff, but that’s not an excuse. 

“We will be in on Monday and go through some things, and then build up to another tough away trip next weekend.”