Two battle it out for number one spot

With the on-loan goalkeeper Neil Etheridge returning to Fulham for treatment and the club’s experienced goalkeeper Steve Phillips struggling with a shoulder tear, Crewe Alexandra boss Steve Davis says he will decide between who will start against Coventry City this week.

The Alex boss has thrown down the gauntlet to young Ben Garratt and Alan Martin to prove that they are worthy of the number one jersey for our trip to Northampton. Steve says he will decide who will start after Thursday’s session and give them time to prepare to face the Sky Blues.

Steve told crewealex.net: “Steve Phillips has a tear in his shoulder and it is causing him some discomfort, so that is something we will have to look at and sort out. He is prepared to play through the pain barrier but he is out of contention and of course Neil has gone back to Fulham to receive treatment on his quad.

“It will be between Alan and Ben and it’s up to them. Steve will prepare them for the game and we’ll see who does the best in the training. I will make my mind up on Thursday and let them know who will play at Coventry.

               “I have opened it up to them to fight for the spot and we’ll see the reaction.”