ALEX boss Dario Gradi says his side must keep their heads as a last-gasp battle to avoid relegation looms.

David Wright's 59th minute harsh own goal put Watford on their way to a massive 2-1 victory that leaves Crewe firmly in the mix.

Just one point taken against two of their rivals on successive Saturdays leaves the Alex requiring results against tougher opposition in their last four matches.

And Gradi says they must stay calm in the task ahead.

"We're running out of games and we have to get these points sooner or later," he explained.

"It's a question of not losing our heads and continuing to work hard.

"It is going to be an interesting battle and whoever goes down in that third spot is going to be a decent side now.

"We aren't looking threatening enough and need some inspiration in the final third of the pitch.

"We are not hurting teams as much as we would like and that is something we will be looking at."

Left on the bench for the last two games, Steve Jones made an impact at Vicarage Road when he replaced an out-of-sorts David Vaughan on 38 minutes.

Gradi was happy with the Northern Ireland international's response on the pitch.

"I decided before half-time to bring Jonah on," he revealed.

"Leaving him out has had the desired effect and he came back with a real desire to run around and change things."

Jones won the second-half penalty for Dean Ashton to level but Watford were back in front within 60 seconds through Wright's bizarre own-goal.

Gradi admitted it was a tough kick in the teeth for his side.

"It was a real body blow for the players to concede again so soon after we equalised," he said.

"But we did work hard and showed good spirit."