Gudjon Thordarson's side came from behind to clinch a potentially decisive 3-1 victory over Huddersfield Town.
Pope struck the bar twice in the opening exchanges as Crewe posed a real threat. But methodical Huddersfield were ahead on the half hour when on-loan striker Lucas Jutkiewicz cut the ball back across the box for James Berrett to turn home.
The Terriers lead was short-lived as Byron Moore produced a stunning volley two minutes later to level up the scores.
Crewe's loan keeper John Ruddy came to the rescue on the stroke of half-time when he turned over a point-blank header from Gary Roberts, as Town looked likely to regain their lead.
Lee Clark's side appeared to have taken a grip of the game early in the second half only to find themselves behind to Pope's wonderful 59th minute effort.
The big striker dispossessed Andy Butler near the corner flag and drove across the box before unleashing a power drive with his left foot into the top corner.
Within two minutes Crewe were moving closer to a vital three points when Clayton Donaldson helped on Pope's flick -n past Huddersfield's stranded keeper Alex Smithies for the third goal.
Donaldson came close to a fourth in the closing minutes when he broke free but was denied by a double save.
Crewe boss Thordarson said: "The players showed great spirit to hit back so quickly after falling behind.
"They raised the tempo straightaway and the ball was in the back of the net a few minutes later. The players worked ever so hard and could possibly have had more goals."
"I have been encouraging Tom Pope to have a bit more belief in his own ability. He worked very hard and scored a terrific goal, particularly as he made it by challenging the defender right up near the corner flag and taking the ball away."
Town boss Clark admitted: "I've got two different teams at the moment with regards to the difference in our home and away form.
"Even when we were 1-0 up there were things I wasn't happy with. Crewe were very good and took their chances well."