CREWE Alexandra manager Steve Davis wants his players to get on the front foot and try to dictate the play against fellow strugglers Blackpool this weekend.

Although disappointed with the way The Alex started in the 3-0 defeat at Gillingham last Saturday – Davis was nevertheless encouraged with the way his side tackled the second period at the Priestfield Stadium.

Despite the lop-sided scoreline the Railwaymen managed to conjure up several chances, most notably one for the on-loan Tom Hitchcock.

Alas, it was always going to be an uphill struggle with too much to do once Gillingham scored their second goal.

Ahead of this weekend’s crucial home game with fellow strugglers Blackpool, who are one place but five points ahead of The Alex in the drop zone, Davis told the club’s official website: “They are all tough games in this league and it is not easy to dictate the play.

“It is difficult because we are not the best side in the league and we have to try and get those little advantages by doing something clever tactically.

“We have to stamp our authority on the game more and try and get on the front foot.

“We have to try and get that edge and be more clinical in the final third.”

With just 10 games remaining in the 2015/16 season, The Alex need to start winning games if they are to begin leap-frogging those above them in the bottom placings.

Meanwhile midfielder Billy Bingham returned to first team action as a second half substitute against Gillingham at the weekend and followed that up by completing 90 minutes for the Development Squad in a 4-1 win over Birmingham City on Monday.

The former Dagenham and Redbridge man, who last played away at Swindon in mid-January, has been limited to just 14 appearances in his debut season for the club mainly due to hamstring trouble.

Davis is delighted to have the 25-year-old midfielder back for the last 10 games of the season and he admits that his versatility to play in various midfield roles may see him play a key role in the survival bid.

Ahead of this weekend’s clash with Blackpool, Davis told crewealex.net: “It is good to have Billy back with us because he can play various roles for us in midfield.

“He can play the deep midfield role or he can push on and get in and around the opposition box. He came on at Gillingham and played deeper and that allowed Jonah to push on and try and link up more with the forward players.

“I would not be afraid to start him. He has come back from his hamstring injury and looks stronger for it and the runs out he has been getting for the Under-21s will only have benefitted him.”