Crewe Alex: What I Want To See At Whaddon Road

At Cheltenham, in the FA Cup 1st round proper, on Saturday November 5th it is vital for Crewe Alexandra to build on the 2-0 victory away at Leyton Orient. The positive result at Brisbane Road saw the seven game winless run come to an end, and now we need to push on from those three points. Though I personally didn’t attend the game, to win by two and keep a clean sheet away from home, we must have played with the style and success shown early on this season. I hope to see that performance emulated at The World of Smile Stadium, more commonly known as Whaddon Road, when Crewe Alexandra battle Cheltenham Town in the Cup.

Both teams will be hoping to build some momentum and have a good cup run, something fans of any club enjoy. A cup run, into round 3 or 4, will bolster the clubs finances – and that would be appreciated by any League Two team. In order for ‘The Alex’ to progress in the Emirates FA Cup, I believe we must play like the side which started the season; not the side of 7 out of the last 8 games. Despite the positive signs being shown constantly throughout, the defence’s performance were lacklustre and points were dropped ‘easily’. I wish to see on Saturday; a solid defensive performance, chances being created, chances being took and a performance to be proud of. If we can do those things, which require a great team effort, I do believe we can go into round 2 of the cup – and be playing Plymouth for three wins on the trot.

If we are to be successful; Dagnall, Lowe, Kiwomya and Cooper, will be looked to as our main attacking outlet in that game and this season. Kiwomya and Cooper, creating more chances with Lowe and Dagnall finishing them. I also believe the back four; probably consisting of Turton, Davis, Guthrie and Bakayogo (from right to left); will be relied upon heavily if we are going to come under pressure, like we did in the 2-0 defeat. Garratt will also be called into action, a solid performance from the young ‘keeper will also be of high importance – if progression is on the cards, which it may well be.

Cheltenham Town however should not be overlooked, when we visited last (10 games ago) we suffered a 2-0 defeat. This shows Cheltenham have the capability to ‘get one over on the Alex’, but using reverse psychology, the defeat will possibly motivate the lads to get revenge – at a not so happy hunting ground. In ‘The Robins’ ranks is ex-Alex forward Billy Waters, who enjoyed a successful season last year; gaining promotion to League 2 by winning the Conference. That was the same campaign in which Waters’ old club, Crewe Alexandra, were relegated from league one – finishing bottom. However, I believe Crewe Alexandra have a good chance of progression; providing everyone plays to potential.