Dario Gradi resumed control at Crewe after Steve Holland was removed

Crewe caretaker manager Dario Gradi said the 2-0 FA Cup second round win at Carlisle on Wednesday was the result of a lot of hard work by the Alex players.

Two goals from Shaun Miller put the visitors through to the third round - and a trip to Millwall.

Gradi told BBC Radio Stoke: "The boys have worked hard for that, not just for me but under Steve Holland.

"They were due some luck. The result is good for them and the fans and makes us look forward to the next game."

It was Alex's first away win since April and Gradi said it should give his side the confidence to climb away from the bottom of League One.

Crewe are 10 points adrift of safety in League One and travel to second-bottom Cheltenham on Saturday.

But Gradi insists: "If the players play well as individuals then we've got a chance.

"I've not waved a magic wand, but they are probably playing a bit better than they were."

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