CREWE boss Dario Gradi was a proud man after his side's crucial 3-1 victory over Coventry.

Michael Higdon, Michael Symes and Dean Ashton were on target to seal three massive points to take the Alex to the brink of First Division safety.

"We were outplayed in the first-half but they had very few shots on goal and that's because we defended well," he said.

"In the second half we opened them up a bit more and got a goal.

"It's amazing how often that has happened here this season.

"Teams come out in the second half after dominating the first and relax a little.

"But I'm happy to soak up the pressure if our defence is playing properly and we did.

"Then we scored the second but their goal was a real nuisance and it just goes to show the importance of not giving away free-kicks on the edge of the box.

"We made chances by working hard and I think over the two games, we worked hard enough for those three points.

"Another win would really help and we had to win this one because defeat would have meant real problems"

Mooted over the last week, Gradi's decision to play midfielder Higdon and on-loan Everton striker Symes upfront paid off.

"It was a calculated risk," he explained.

"We have been so dependant on Jones and Ashton for goals because we haven't scored from anywhere else.

"They've had a lot of pressure on them.

"I suppose it was a risk to play them but I knew it could work without knowing it would work.

"They are both good in the air, Higgy won plenty of flick ons and Symes is deceptive

"I though they were a force to be reckoned with in that department."

Steve Jones also won praise.

"We wanted Steve to be up against Staunton but he played centre back instead.

"Jonah did well for the penalty and I was wondering what he would do.

"There was no feeble shot at the end of the run and he did really well."