Following a good run of form, it was all brought to an abrupt end at Luton last weekend as we fell to a 2-1 victory after conceding a penalty late into the second half. A further goal by Nicky Maynard boosted his tally to 5 goals in 4 games.

Southend are travelling undefeated in 9 games, but we will hope to halt that tomorrow and keep the three points at Gresty Road. Their last game was a 1-0 win over Walsall, the winning goal being scored by an ex-loanee of ours Lee Barnard. With Southend needing the points for the other end of the table, it is everything to play for for both sides and is set to be an interesting game.

Tickets

Prices

Kick Off 3pm.

05/04/08 Kick off 3pm

	Match Day	Associate Members
Adults	£19.00	£16.00
12-16 Years	£8.50	£6.50
Under 11's	£4.50	£3.50
Senior Citizens	£15.00	£12.50
Disabled	£15.00	£12.50
Student		£8.50*

Student tickets are only available upon purchase of a £10 student membership.This can be acquired through production of a valid student ID and recent passport sized photograph

Team News

Steve Jones suffered a back injury in training that will keep him out of his first game back at Gresty Road

Crewe

Steve has virtually the same squad as last week to choose from with Danny O'Donnell and Chris McCready, who briefly featured in last weekend's game, back into contention. Danny Woodards, although was struggling with a neck injury, is fit and could feature.

A further blow has been dealt to Steve as Steve Jones and Michael O'Connor have been ruled out. Jones is suffering with a back injury whilst O'Connor has a groin problem that has been causing some problems all week. Julien Baudet should feature despite missing yesterday's training session with illness, and George Abbey is hoping he will get through today's session having come over on his ankle earlier in the week.

Tom Pope will miss the game with a broken toe but may make it back for the remaining two games of the season if all heals well. The game comes to early for Billy Jones who has been missing since Boxing Day with a knee injury. The left back has made a return to training and is hoping to be available for next weekend's trip to Yeovil. Neil Cox (shoulder) and Ben Rix (hip) are also ruled out.

Southend's Manager has been hit with the blow that Damian Scannell has been sidelined for at least a month with a leg injury after he tore a groin muscle. Striker Ritchie Folan will also miss the game with a knee injury picked up last weekend, which will require surgery and looks to have ended his season.

Lee Barnard is looking to keep his place after scoring the winning goal in his last outing, whilst Alex Revell could also make a return from a hernia injury. Hal Robson-Kanu (Achilles) is a doubt.

Head To head

Last time out with Southend was the trip down to Essex for a result that didn't quite go our way, in fact we travelled back home with a 3-0 defeat under our belts. It was mid October with a strike force of Ryan Lowe, Lee Barnard and Byron Moore, but despite that the home side held on to a clean sheet. It was Nicky Bailey who gave Southend the lead just 17 minutes into the game, and at half time we still looked as if we had a chance of getting back into the game. However, on 63 minutes Gary Hooper doubled the lead and then 8 minutes from time, Leon Clarke put a penalty away to seal the win.

The last time the Shrimpers were here at Gresty Road was in 1991, in what was then Division 3 and they took back down south anther victory, this time 2-0. Overall, our history goes back to 1963, but Southend have by far taken the most victories with 15 to our 6.

Match Officials

Referee:A Haynes

Assistant Referees: W Barratt & W Trott

Fourth Official: A E Raynor

Match Betting

Crewe Win - 2/1

Southend Win - 6/5

Draw - 9/4

(Full match odds available here)

Place your bets with the Alex's Official Betting Partner Bet 365 by visiting www.thealexbet.co.uk where every penny staked helps the club.

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