Bell wants Crewe 'progression' after first defeat

Lee Bell has won 54 of his 147 games in charge of Crewe

Crewe Alexandra manager Lee Bell says it is more important he sees "progression" from his side rather than a "response" following a first defeat of the season for the early League Two leaders.

The Alex's 1-0 defeat by Gillingham ended their 100% winning start but kept them at the top of the table on goal difference from Chesterfield.

Sam Gale's 89th-minute winner was the only the third goal Crewe have conceded in their five league games and just their second loss of the campaign, following their Carabao Cup exit to Stockport.

But Bell is keeping level-headed about a first setback in their excellent start to the league programme.

"We really should've scored at least two goals [against Gillingham]," Bell told BBC Radio Stoke.

"When you say you want a response it means that you've had a poor performance, followed by a poor result, but what it's more about is us progressing and getting better.

"That's more the aim than saying 'you need a response' - we need to be able to hit the levels we have in the previous five games."

Crewe's fine start saw them win 3-1 at Salford on the opening day, beat Accrington 2-0 and Crawley 1-0 in back-to-back home games before a comfortable 4-1 victory at Fleetwood Town.

"We are pleased. We knew it was important to start the season well and we have done," Bell said.

"The performances have been good. I think we've been exciting to watch. We want to continue those levels.

"When there is that blip in performance that's when you want a response - for the group to double down on what we want to do because we want to maintain this for as long as we can.

"You don't want to lose games but we're not too down."

'There's lots to be pleased with'

Crewe take on Swindon Town, who have won three of their first five games, at the Mornflake Stadium trying to preserve their 100% winning home record.

Bell says the key to that is maintaining their desire.

"It's a word we use a lot," he said.

"Have they got the desire to do what we want them to do every game? It's only five games in and I'm sure there's going to be a drop-off at some point for a short period of time because we're only human.

"It is very early but there's lots to be pleased with - winning matches and what we look like.

"The most pleasing thing is the performances. If we lose matches - and we will - but we play in that manner, you know there's going to be a good outcome in the end."