Double assault!

Source: Crewe Chronicle

By Peter Morse

CREWE Alex and Nantwich Town are aiming for cup glory on Saturday.

The Alex travel to Bradford City in the FA Cup first round hoping to set-off on a profitable run in the world's most famous domestic knockout competition.

And Jackson Avenue is expected to be a 2,000 sell-out for Nantwich's League Cup clash with FC United of Manchester.

Alex boss Dario Gradi said: 'Ours is a tricky tie but this is the FA Cup and who knows what will happen? We'll do our best.

'We can prepare well because we don't have a midweek match. That's beneficial because we can do some work. Recent matches have taken a toll, but the injury situation is easing now.'

Crewe hope to welcome fit-again Luke Varney, David Vaughan, Billy Jones and captain Neil Cox back for the trip to Bradford, who have suffered four straight defeats.

Nicky Maynard is sidelined, although his hamstring tear is not as severe as first feared. Julien Baudet (Achilles) is out, while the Alex need permission from Liverpool to field loan man Danny O'Donnell.

Luke Rodgers will keep his place in attack after bagging a last minute winner against Port Vale on Saturday.

Midfielder Ben Rix has happy memories of scoring a 30-yard screamer at Bradford in 2004, but hopes for better than the 2-1 defeat Crewe suffered that day.

He said: 'The result is the most important thing on Saturday. Bradford have a good side and beat us easily 3-0 in August, but we hadn't gelled as a team then. Now, if we play well we can beat anybody.'

Crewe's youth side are also in cup action. Steve Holland's men travel to Oldham's Boundary Park for an FA Youth Cup first round tie tonight (7pm).

Meanwhile, Dabbers boss Steve Davis says his team is ready for FC United, formed by Manchester United fans disgruntled at the American takeover of Old Trafford.

The visitors have a massive fan base and will help fill Jackson Avenue for the North West Counties League Challenge Cup second round fixture.

Davis said: 'As we are moving to a new ground next season, this could be the last time anyone can see a packed Jackson Avenue.

'United are a good side and lead the way in Division One, and we are second, so I'm sure it will be a great spectacle well worth watching.'

Nantwich hope to have Paul Donnelly back after injury, while Gyorgy Kiss plans to fly back from Hungary to take part.

* A limited number of remaining tickets are on sale at Jackson Avenue (01270 621771), Crewe Alex, FP Sports of Hospital Street Nantwich, and The Red Lion of Wybunbury.

Cheshire Police have instructed the strictly ticket-only affair is restricted to 2,000 people. Prices are: Adults £7, senior citizens £5, juniors £3.