Dugdale says players have been buzzing for the second leg

Crewe Alexandra defender Adam Dugdale has revealed that the thought of going to Wembley for a second time in Under-12 months has not crossed anyone’s mind in the Alex dressing room. Crewe take on Coventry City in the second leg of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy with a 3-0 lead to protect, but Dugdale appreciates that anything can happen in this game of ours.

The Railwayman will obviously start as favourites this evening but a possible second trip to Wembley has been banned by manager Steve Davis and his backroom staff. Crewe have their hands full with a very good Coventry City side first and foremost.

Ahead of the second leg, Dugdale told Crewe Alex Player: “Nobody has even spoke about what can come out of it if we win. I know we are 3-0 up from the first leg, but Coventry are a good side, so it is going to be a difficult game.

“They have nothing to lose and they will come at us. We have to be prepared for that but if we stick to the game plan and work hard then we will remain confident.

“We have to make sure we are up for it and ride the early storm to know they are going to come flying at us. We have to defend right as a team. I count myself as a leader and the more leaders we have on the pitch the better.

“We need to get Wednesday out of the way before we can start talking about any potential final. These are the games the players look forward to it should be a good night, hopefully the Crewe fans can compete with theirs. Everyone is just buzzing for the game.”