Ian Evatt admitted winning was everything as Wanderers enjoyed a first league victory since early October to move back into the top half of the table.
Goals early in the second half from Josh Sheehan – via the penalty spot – and Amadou Bakayoko secured a comfortable 2-0 success over bottom side Crewe.
And while Evatt knows there remains for improvement, he was happy to bank the three points and extend his side’s unbeaten run to three games.
“I’m very happy with the win. That was the most important thing today,” said the Whites’ boss.
“It was a long October. We felt we had stopped the rot a little bit with the cup performances.
“I know we drew the game against Stockport but we should have won that game and it was a good performance against Rochdale.
“It was important that we won at all costs tonight and we managed to do that.
“We know we can be better and we will be better.
“It’s only one result. We can’t get too excited about that.
“We know we’ve got a lot of hard work to do to undo the damage we caused in October with our results but it’s the first step in the right direction.
“This is a springboard now for some important fixtures coming up.”
Crewe rarely threatened to set up a first away win of the campaign in a first league meeting between the two sides in 20 years.
But they kept Wanderers out until two goals in four minutes ended their resistance on a positive night for the Whites, who were able to give a late debut from the bench to fit-again summer signing Xavier Amaechi as they wrapped up a first win in six league games.
“There were a few nerves in the crowd in the first half but I think it was a good first half,” added Evatt, who confirmed that Eoin Doyle had missed out with a calf strain.
“We controlled the ball and didn’t really have any problems defensively and had one or two good opportunities we should have taken.
“We stepped it up in the second half and got the two goals. Because of the form we’ve been on we got a bit edgy and they started to play with nothing to lose at 2-0.
“But it’s an important win.”
To watch the manager's post-match interview, click HERE