News

25/03/2008 - Holland is quick to thank Valiants

Steve Holland acknowledged local assistance in Crewe's relegation battle as his side opened up a five-point safety gap.

While Crewe were drawing 1-1 at play-off chasers Walsall yesterday, their rivals for the fourth bottom drop spot, Gillingham, were going down to a 2-1 defeat at Port Vale.

With the Gills set to face second-placed Carlisle this weekend, while the Alex travel to second-bottom Luton, first-team coach Holland believes Crewe have grabbed a distinct psychological advantage.

Holland said: "I'll have to give Vale a ring today and say thank you. That was a terrific result for us whatever we did at Walsall for a number of reasons.

"Mainly, I think psychologically that won't have done Gillingham any good at all, although they have a game in hand, which is against Luton.

"We're five points ahead of them and goal difference is possibly worth another point as well."

Crewe's cushion would have been seven points had Ian Roper not sunk an injury-time header to earn his side a share of the spoils.

Nicky Maynard had fired the visitors in front on the hour mark.

"If we'd held on we could have been that little bit closer to safety - that extra two points would have made a difference," admitted Holland.

"But the team looks fine and if we continue like we have been doing then we will stay in this league."

Holland also reveal that extending striker Dean Morgan's loan to the end of the season shouldn't affect his interest in finally landing former favourite Steve Jones.

Burnley striker Jones is back in training and remains on Crewe's radar even though hopes are high of persuading Luton to allow Morgan to stay on at the Alexandra Stadium.