It’s a trip to the seaside as the Alex take on play-off chasing Morecambe on Good Friday.
With the Vale win under our belt confidence is high going into the game with Shaun Miller and Dario even talking up our own (extremely slim to non existent) play-off hopes.
Morecambe though have serious play-off dreams. Sitting in 10th they are just six points off seventh place and ultimately need a win tomorrow to keep their dreams alive.
Their form isn’t quite what it was. Back in October they began a run of 10 games and just one defeat that propelled them from 21st to 7th in the space of just two months.
Recent form has faltered slightly with just two wins in their last five games, but coming off the back of a hard earned 2-0 win at home to Torquay last week confidence going into the game will be high.
Vital Quotes:
Dario Gradi
‘It would take a great effort to reach the play-offs now but it isn’t impossible. We would have to win all our games.
‘Saying that we have conceded just one goal in our last two games against Notts County and Port Vale and if we can repeat that from now until the end of the season then we would have a chance.
‘We just have to go for it and winning on Friday will be paramount but after winning on Saturday, the players are confident.’
crewealex.net
Sammy McIlroy:
‘It would be great have a good crowd and a good atmosphere on Friday. If we get six points we could give ourselves a chance and that is what we will be looking to do.
‘It’s all very tight at the moment and there will be a few surprise results between now and the end of the season I’m sure of that.
‘Our home form has been good all season and I am hoping we can carry that on.’
thevisitor.co.uk
Morecambe Team News:
Midfielder Simon Hackney faces a late fitness test for the Shrimps after missing training with a back injury.
Defender Will Haining will be replaced by Dave Artell after Haining picked up a groin injury.
Striker Aaron Taylor, defender Henry McStay and midfielder Ian Craney are all ruled out with long term injuries.
Player to watch: Phil Jevons
The prolific Phil Jevons is sure to keep O’Donnell and Mitchel-King on their toes. Despite only three in his last 15 games, the Everton trainee has a healthy 17 goals to his name this season and will be looking to end his current drought of five matches without a goal.
Crewe Alexandra Team News:
Calvin Zola could make a return to the bench after finally recovering from an ankle injury.
Matt Tootle will remain at left back. The young defender hobbled off at Vale park after turning his ankle, miscontroling the ball. The 19 year old however has recovered in good time.
Simon Walton remains out with a rib injury whilst Ashley Westwood serves the 2nd of his 3 match ban. Loanee Chris Stokes is also out with a hamstring injury.
Defender Carl Martin is available again after serving his suspension but is not going to make the starting line up.
Possible line up: Phillips, Tootle, O’Donnell, King, Brayford, Grant, Bailey, Schumacher, Murphy, Donaldson, Miller.
Player to watch: James Bailey
Instrumental in the last two games, can Bails prove himself to be a real match winner in the middle of the park for Crewe?
Previously:
Jim Bentley and Phil Jevons earned Morecambe a well deserved 2-1 win at Gresty Road in November. Schumacher got a late consolation.
Ref Watch:
David Foster will be the man in the middle.The last time he refereed a game of our’s he sent off both Billy Jones and Patrick Ada. Both saw red in the final minutes of the home game against Bury in October for professional fouls; they remain Foster’s only red cards in 22 games this season.
He will be assisted by Paul Davison and Kevin Mattocks. The fourth official will be Paul Kettlewell.
Match Prediction:
Morecambe 1-1 Crewe
Next Fixtures:
Cheltenham at Gresty Road on Monday 5th April 2010