Notts County need to pick up where they left off against Carlisle United if they are to overcome Crewe Alexandra, says manager Shaun Derry.
Like Notts, Crewe are fighting for their lives towards the foot of the Sky Bet League 1 table and head into the fixture boosted by an important win against Gillingham.
The Magpies’ 4-1 triumph over Carlisle has resurrected belief in the stands that the team can avoid the drop but performance levels cannot afford to dip.
Derry was pleased with the weekend’s showing at Meadow Lane and backing his side to take it on their road, as they look to close the gap on 19th placed Crewe to just three points.
“Saturday was a relief because we’ve not seen one of those performances in about five or six games,” he told the press.
“When you’re not winning games you kind of question yourself and the players as well.
“I’m glad that they responded in the right way and got that performance out of their system on the stadium pitch.
“I was sick and tired of seeing it on a Monday to Friday and it was pleasing to see them produce in such a massive game - and it was probably the biggest game of their careers.
“More performances like that are what it’s going to take to gain survival.”
He continued: “I know how much this bad run of results has hurt them and I know how much they want it.
“On their day they can be a match for anybody but on our day I feel we can be the same.
“League 1 is a very inconsistent level, especially down the bottom of the table, but I know that if we can build upon Saturday’s performance we can beat Crewe.”
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