Crewe boss Steve Davis has paid tribute to the concerted effort made throughout the club to seal a League Two play-off berth.
Alex secured seventh place with a 16-match unbeaten run, a far cry from the side Davis took charge of that was languishing in 18th seven months ago.
"I'm delighted to have another 10 days of opportunity and all credit to the players for their hard work, the staff and everybody who's played their part in extending it," he said.
"After the start we'd had we wouldn't have expected to be in the position we're in now. So all credit to everybody that's pushed us forward and improved us because it's been a magnificent effort all round."
Another of League Two's form sides lies in wait, with Southend heading into Saturday's semi-final first-leg at Gresty Road on a run of 13 points from a possible 15.
"They've got good form going into it, a fantastic unbeaten run, but in the play-offs you certainly rule out the run that you're on," Davis added. "Momentum is good, but in two games you've got to produce the goods, be on top form and get that little bit of luck."
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