CREWE Alexandra boss Steve Davis says he is encouraged by his side’s display in Tuesday’s 4-0 pre-season friendly win over Nantwich Town.

New signing Chris Dagnall was on the scoresheet at the Weaver Stadium and further goals from George Cooper, Ryan Wintle and an own goal sealed a comfortable win for The Alex.

Speaking after the game, Davis says he was impressed by what he saw from his side.

“It was another useful run-out for us and it was good,” he said.

“It is of course nice to win, score some goals and keep a clean-sheet but it was more about seeing the signs of what we have been doing all week in training.

“I thought there were positive signs and we played some really good football at times.”

The win over the Dabbers was Crewe’s fourth pre-season outing as they prepare for the upcoming League Two season, which kicks off with a trip to Stevenage on Saturday, August 6.

A win over Buxton, a draw with Kidsgrove Athletic and a defeat to Championship outfit Wolves have also featured in the pre-season campaign.

Davis believes the hard work on the training ground is starting to pay off on the pitch.

“We wanted to see the work we have been doing transferred into the game and there was real evidence of that this evening, so that is pleasing,” he said.

“We haven’t scored four goals for a while, so that was a plus.

“They (Nantwich) didn’t create too much either and our fresh legs helped us in the second half.

“It is a test for them when they are tired and fatigued, to see how they handle it and we came through well.”

The Alex face five more run-outs before the season begins, starting with a game against League One side Bolton Wanderers at Gresty Road tomorrow, Friday.

Davis says he wants his players to show a similar level of performance to the Nantwich game.

“I thought the back four were good, the full-backs got forward a lot more and we didn’t let a lot into our box, so that was a positive,” he said.

“There are places up for grabs, so whoever performs best will get the shirts.

“That is the challenge they have and we move on to the next one.”

Meanwhile, The Alex have completed the loan signing of winger Alex Kiwomya from Premier League side Chelsea.

The 21-year-old, who has just signed a fresh one-year deal at Stamford Bridge, joins on a deal until January having previous enjoyed loan spells at Barnsley and Fleetwood Town.

Kiwomya is available to feature in tomorrow’s friendly with Bolton will wear the number 22 shirt at Gresty Road.