Crewe to give promotion a 'real go' after cup exit

Crewe Alexandra's defeat by Stockport County in the EFL Vertu Trophy will help their young side "build character" and have "a real go" at trying to get promoted this season, says boss Lee Bell.

The Alex, two points off the play-offs in League Two, took the lead against a strong County side in Wednesday's last-32 tie at the Mornflake Stadium before being pegged back and losing on penalties after the match finished 1-1 in normal time.

"It was a tough night for them to hang on in there," Bell told BBC Radio Stoke.

"It was a fast tempo game, they were after us. It was a whirlwind at times for the players but I'm really pleased with the way they stuck at it.

"Those types of situations are going to rise again throughout their journey in football. It's about building up that character and personality to be able to handle that.

"A proper League One team has turned up to take on a load of young players and it was a good learning curve."

Adrien Thibaut was one of eight changes made by Bell for the tie, with Stockport fielding three players who started their most recent League One match four days earlier, and his fifth-minute finish put the home side ahead.

The 21-year-old Irish striker was recalled by Crewe from his loan with Southport in National League North before the game and impressed Bell with his display.

"He's done really well on loan and sometimes it's good for players to get a feel of what it's like away from the club," Bell said.

"We needed him to play some games, get fit and score some goals and it's been in our thinking for the last few weeks whether to bring him back and we thought it was the right time.

"He works hard and he's now beginning to take chances better.

"Technically, he's slowing down when those opportunities come and he'll be a real plus for us if he can maintain those levels between now and the end of the season."

With Crewe now out of all cup competitions, Bell says they can throw everything at their league campaign.

"We know what we can immerse ourselves in for the next four or five months now and try to get those targets we've set," he said.

"We'll have a real go at it now."