The boss admits Saturday's visit by Sons is a tough one, as Jim Chapman's men sit level on points and behind only on goal difference.
So the Fife gaffer will drum in the importance of the fixture with the New Bayview men sitting poised to enter
the play-off positions.
Crawford said: "We're taking it one game at a time but know if we beat Dumbarton, that pushes those teams below us further away.
"It's a big game for us and we're going into it with confidence and on a good run, so we have that momentum.
"The boys have really been responding to us and also digging in and playing for one another."
The memory of October's 1-0 loss to Sons was still raw.
"I think the kick up the backside we needed came the last time we played Dumbarton at home, when I thought we were really, really poor," said the boss.
"If need be, I'll remind the boys of that to show them how far we've come since then."
East Fife's good run of form was halted at the weekend when the icy weather meant the New Bayview surface was rock hard.
The manager used the free afternoon to set up a friendly match against Jeanfield Swifts, which saw Paul Nugent and Bob Campbell achieve 45 minutes, while goalie Stewart Baillie also played.
Crawford said the call-off was a disappointment, particularly on the back of Wednesday's victory against Arbroath.
"Dave Marshall warned us the weather reports were saying it was to freeze up and, if that happened, there was nothing we could do about it.
"It turned out the whole pitch was solid and not like it was before the Brechin game, when only some parts were.
"Against Arbroath, in terms of performance, I thought the boys were great at looking to get on the ball and knocking it about, but we weren't so good when it came to breaking them down and creating chances.
"We've conceded some late goals this season, so it was great to see players throw themselves at everything in the last 15 minutes."
Scott Thomson has started ball work and is stepping up his return, while it looks as if Mark Staunton may be missing until the end of the season, with a foot problem which stemmed from his back operation.
