We still want to be in play-off conversation - Bell

Crewe Alexandra manager Lee Bell says his side remain "in the conversation" as they push for promotion up to League One.

Easter Monday's key 1-0 home win over play-off rivals Salford City made it three wins in four matches, and leaves the Railwaymen two points outside the top seven with four games to play.

Bell told BBC Radio Stoke he wasn't surprised by his side bouncing straight back following Good Friday's 2-0 defeat at Accrington Stanley.

"I knew it on Friday when we spoke after the game," Bell said.

"There were no raised voices. I knew then that they'd be at it on Monday.

"We've got a small squad, a small group of players that we select from, one of the smallest in the league. Now and again the players just might be a little flat. It's not for the lack of trying from us all."

Crewe's remaining four matches are all against fellow top 10 sides chasing promotion.

They visit Grimbsy on Saturday, then welcome MK Dons, followed by their final away match at Chesterfield, and they end at home to Cambridge United on 2 May.

Bell knows his side will need to find more consistency if they're to make the top seven.

"Interesting games to come, and we've kept ourselves in it for another week," he said.

"That's what we want to do. We all want to be in these situations. Come this time on Saturday we still want to be in the conversation."

Crewe have now also had five clean sheets since the signing of former Republic of Ireland Under-21 international goalkeeper Ian Lawlor from Doncaster Rovers in January.

"Ian's been really good since joining the club," Bell added.

"He brings a calmness. He's probably one or two shy of the number of clean sheets he wants.

"He's highly ranked in terms of stats being with us for such a short period which is really pleasing."