STEVE Davis believes Tuesday night’s victory in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy can kick-start Crewe’s season.

After a 5-0 thrashing at Swindon Town and revelations of disruptive influences in the dressing room, the Alex bounced back with a gritty 1-0 win over Accrington Stanley.

Chuks Aneke headed home Matt Tootle’s lofted cross with 10 minutes left to see the holders safely through to the second round.

Davis believes it could be a key result.

“I think it’s a big win and hopefully it will give us a huge confidence boost,” he said.

“These games are banana skins and you can get knocked out very easily.

“We were expected to win and we have, although it was never going to be straightforward.

“I could sense the anxiety in the players and I thought we lacked that killer edge again.

“We didn’t look a threat until Vadaine Oliver came on.

“I thought the subs did well, and that has given me food for thought.

“They were suffering, obviously with the results we’ve had and the thumping we got at Swindon.

“It has harmed some of the lads and the only way to get back is to get on the ball and enjoy the game.”

Davis admits the club is still suffering after the arrests of seven players in connection with an alleged rape during their pre-season trip to Cornwall.

And the Alex boss has vowed to weed out disruptive influences in the dressing room.

“The Cornwall thing is something no manager wants to experience but you have to deal with it,” he continued.

“We still have it looming over us.

“Some players will be able to put it behind them and some will be worrying about it.

“Now it is clear that there is one or two that need weeding out who are disrupting the togetherness of the squad.

“Sometimes this can come about with players not being in the team.

“It’s never happened here before and it’s just upsetting the whole group.

“It’s like a cancer, it spreads.

“We’re speaking to the players and once we get it sorted, things will improve.”

Davis says his side will be ready to take on in-form Peterborough United at the Alexandra Stadium on Saturday.

“A win always helps and we’ll look to continue our form against one of the top teams in the league,” he concluded.