Parallel lines

The fine line between success and failure in Athletic’s division is familiar to both sets of supporters at Gresty Road tonight (7.45pm kick off).

Crewe, currently under-scoring, saw their mini-run of unbeaten games judder to a halt on Saturday, as Steve Davis’s side lost 1-0 at MK Dons. Prior to that Alex hadn’t lost in five games — though they won only one of them. The result leaves promoted Crewe 15th in the division.

“It is a fine line: we didn’t get what we deserved. We did not capitalise on the way we played and the spirit we played in and that’s all it boils down to.”

Crewe’s reputation for producing some of the country’s most promising players was enhanced recently by two transfers to Premier League clubs. Nick Powell (18) has already impressed for Manchester United following his move in a deal reported to potentially be worth up to £6m with add-ons.

Fellow midfielder Ashley Westwood moved to Aston Villa on deadline day and has already made two appearances.

On the visitors’ part, manager Paul Dickov knows his team will rub up against a squad with plenty of youthful talent.

“They have a lot of good players who are all comfortable on the ball,” he said. “They are similar to us at the moment in that they are creating chances, not quite sticking them away and then getting caught by a sucker-punch.

“What we have to do is take all the negativity out of the occasion, take the shackles off and have a right good go at them — because it will turn for us.”




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