STEVE Davis wants more fighting spirit as Crewe Alexandra target their first win of the season at home to Bury.

The Alex boss believes his side took a big step forward despite losing a five-goal thriller at new league leaders Coventry City on Tuesday.

Goals from Brad Inman and Marcus Haber saw the visitors battle back twice but with a point on the cards, Jim O’Brien’s 25-yarder on 83 minutes proved a harsh blow for the Alex.

“It left me deflated,” he explained.

“It was a pulsating game, played at a high intensity and with lots of quality.

“I thought it was a great game to watch for everyone.

“Both sides had a go and played some good football.

“They bossed the first 20 minutes, took the lead and deservedly so but we found an equaliser.

“I always felt we could get a goal and after getting the second, the game looked dead for 20 minutes and I couldn’t see that winner coming.

“It took a 25-yard spectacular effort to get it.

“They had more chances but the way we fought and battled, I thought we deserved something from the game.

“We knew it was going to be a tough one.

“They’ve had a great start and have some good players.

“But I thought it was a huge step forward from us in terms of our performance and how we battled back.

“We kept going and I thought at 2-2, we deserved that little bit of luck for how well we played.

“When we did get some space, we created some good chances and scored two great goals.

“Now we need to take that into the next game.”

Davis will reassess the left-back situation again before the weekend after a move for Charlton’s Tareiq Holmes-Dennis has stalled.

‘I know we have to do something,” he added.

“We’ve been left frustrated over the last few weeks with one thing or another.

“We want an athletic left-back who will be sound defensively but also offer us something different in that final third.

“We’re still hoping we can get the one over the line.

“But we do have names in mind and other options we hope to conclude something soon.”

Despite three straight defeats, Davis also remains adamant his 4-3-3 system is the way forward.

“We worked on it all pre-season so we’re not just going to throw it away.” he continued.

“If we weren’t creating chances, I’d look at something different but you have to show some faith in the players.

“We’re always looking at ways of improving what we’re doing and every player we have up there is different.”