Crewe Alexandra looking to bounce back from FA Cup shock at Walsall

Crewe have recovered from a slow start to propel themselves into fifth spot in League Two with an impressive run of seven wins from their last 10 games (drawing twice, losing once). 

Dion Pereira scored from the spot to condemn Crewe to an early exit in the FA Cup but Crewe skipper Demetriou insists the team cannot afford to dwell on the defeat.

"It's disappointed to get knocked out of the FA Cup at the first hurdle but credit to Dagenham," he told the club media.

"We wanted a cup run but now we have to not let it affect us. We've got a massive month coming up and although it is going to hurt us, we have to pay our attention to Walsall. 

"We can't dwell on it. We have to lay it to bed. As soon as we get back on the training ground, we have to work our way looking into next weekend."

Crewe failed to win any of their opening three games (losing twice, drawing once) including a humiliating 5-0 home defeat against newly-promoted Chesterfield. 

Lee Bell has expertly steered the Railwaymen in the right direction as they face each of the current top three in the next fortnight with the visit of Notts County sandwiched between trips to Walsall and leaders Port Vale. 

"It's a big disappointment go out of the FA Cup. It's a competition that I love, the fans love and it will really sting and hurt," he added. 

"But we'll dust ourselves down, learn from it and get ready for some really tough league games coming up."

Jake Lankester (hamstring) remains an injury doubt while Kane Hemmings (foot) and Nathan Robinson (knee) are both unavailable.