Davis on Kav's Carlisle Test

Crewe Alexandra face a difficult first game of 2014 when Carlisle United visit the Alexandra Stadium tomorrow but manager Steve Davis is targeting another positive performance following the dramatic comeback at Colchester at the weekend.

Crewe fought back from a 1-0 deficit at half-time to collect their second away win of the season thanks to second half strikes from Chuks Aneke and Tom Hitchcock.

Davis is expecting another tough encounter against Graham Kavanagh’s Carlisle side and the Cumbrians will be looking to complete a league double over the Ale after previously beating us 2-1 in late November.

The Alex conceded two late goals in the first half to give ourselves a mountain to climb but it could have been potentially different if Vadaine Oliver’s acrobatic overhead kick had not been ruled out for a clash of heads.

Ahead of our New Years’ Day clash Steve told crewealex.net: “The players have worked hard and hopefully we are reaping the rewards with the performances. I think we have improved and we can further improve.

“When you have a comeback like we did against Colchester then you cannot wait for the next game to come along. We have Carlisle at home on New Years’ Day and we are all looking forward to it.

“It will be another tough game because Graham has done well since taking over and got them playing. They had a terrific home win over Peterborough on Sunday, so we know how good they can be on their day.

 He added: “We have found all season than anybody can beat anybody and we have to go into the game with greater confidence and a positive result could see us bring more clubs into it.”