Dario Gradi expects another tough test from Barnet at the Alexandra Stadium as new boss Mark Stimson looks for his first win as Bees boss. The former Gillingham boss took over at Underhill in the summer after Ian Hendon was relieved of his duties towards the end of the last campaign. He has had to reconstruct his squad and has added striker Phil Walsh on loan this week.

Crewe are looking for their first point of the new season after losing their opening two matches to Hereford and Cheltenham Town.

In the build up to the visit of the London club, Dario told crewealex.net: "The Barnet game will be another difficult one for us, because there are no easy games in this division.

"We played Grimsby last season and they were virtually down and out at the bottom of the league but they never gave up and made it a tough game for us.

"The fitness levels have improved and coaches have become more aware of tactics and the way they want to play. The league is no longer filled with older players, whose legs are on the way out. It is now filled with young, energetic young players with real ambition and that has improved the standard.

"Barnet have bought a bigger striker in this week (Phil Walsh) and that means they may play a little different if he makes his debut for them. They will come here and have a real go and we will have to play to our potential to get a result.

Dario added: "At this stage of the season all teams are optimistic and play like that."