CREWE FC boss Ian O'Reilly says his side need to raise their game to figure in the Mid Cheshire Division Two promotion race.
Last Saturday's defeat in a top-of-the-table clash at Gamesley sees the league leaders open up a four point gap with little between the chasing pack.
Crewe were made to pay the price for some poor first-half finishing with Jon Dawson heading a glorious chance wide at the back stick and Lee Westwood also off target on two occasions.
Number one Steve Harding had little to do before picking the ball out of his own net when Gamesley took advantage on 55 minutes.
The home side doubled their advantage soon after before prolific substitute Jimmy Constagan finished off a neat move to revive Crewe's hopes in the final 15.
Danny Massey almost saved the day late on but put his effort wide of the post.
O'Reilly wasn't happy.
"They came out realising it was a big game and we didn't," he said.
"We can't seem to raise our game.
"It was an intimidating place and they bullied us out of it but we shouldn't have let that happen.
"They had about three shots and scored two while we had nine and got one.
"Our finishing just wasn't up to it.
"Steve Harding had little to do, Lee Westwood worked hard as did Alan Brown.
"They're the only ones who can hold their heads up, the rest are looking over their shoulders."
The boss says there must be no slip-ups at home to rock-bottom Fearnhead FC, this Saturday.
"We've lost two on the run now and we must bounce back on Saturday," he continued.
"If we go in to it just thinking we've got to turn up because they're bottom of the league, we'll get turned over.
"We've got Danny Athorn back who is a rock for us and Liam and we need a few experienced heads to get us back going."
Crewe FC got some back-up from local company Videotec who will sponsor the club's training tops.
"Dennis Harding's played non-league football and wants to put something back in," explained O'Reilly.
"We're delighted that Videotec have agreed to sponsor us."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article