STEVE Davis believes Crewe Alexandra have proved they can stay in League One after an excellent festive spell.

Seven points out of nine have lifted to the Alex to 21st and provided real hope that they can beat relegation.

After making it back-to-back wins at Oldham (2-1), George Cooper set them up for a potential maximum with an 81st-minute opener against Preston.

However, old nemesis Jermaine Beckford broke their hearts with his leveller just two minutes later at Gresty Road on Sunday.

“It was a really hard game for us and I’d have taken a point at the start,” admitted Davis.

“When you go 1-0 up that late, you think ‘come on, just hold on.’ But they were pressing us all the way through the second-half and in the end we succumbed.

“The last 20 minutes was excellent value and the game livened up.

“We knew they were a good side and playing with 10 men for half-an-hour against Oldham had already taken a lot out of the lads.

“There were some tired bodies out there but they fought hard and we got a great point.

“I felt we had to find a way to break them down.

“They were well organised and hard to get through.

“We didn’t create a lot of chances because they defended very well and are up there for a reason.

“Being able to bring on Beckford, they have a really good squad and they could have nicked it at the end.

“But we have had a good three games in a row and this will have given us all a lot of hope.

“We have belief back through our performances and we’re finding a way go getting results."

Without a game until a crunch clash at home to Gillingham on January 10, Davis will now use the break to firm up his squad.

The Alex boss is likely to bring back Alan Tate on loan from Swansea.

Crewe are also set to try and sign Anthony Stewart permanently after he made his full debut against Preston.

The 22-year-old is out-of-contract with League Two Wycombe but compensation will have to be agreed.

“It’s out of my hands and it’s up to Wycombe and Crewe really,” said Stewart.

“But I’ve been happy here and I’m really impressed with the set-up.

“It was a big day for me because I wanted to show what I was capable of doing.

“It was my first game since May so I was feeling it a bit at the end but I can only get fitter.

“The boys are now confident and in this league, anyone can beat anyone.”