Shots failed to make it three wins on the bounce, going down 3-1 to a Crewe side that leap-frogged them to move into a play-off position themselves.
Crewe had the better of the first half exchanges but the scores remained level as the clock ticked towards half-time. However Shots then conceded two goals in two minutes just before the interval - one of them to former player Joel Grant.
The introduction of Jermaine McGlashan and Wade Small at half time gave Shots new impetus and a six yard strike from Anthony Straker put them back in contention, only for Crewe to score a third goal just six minutes later. Despite a much improved second half performance by Shots, the home side held on and Kevin Dillon's side must now turn their thoughts to a tough home match against third placed Bury at the EBB Stadium next Saturday.