Defender says Alex face tough encounter at Gigg Lane

Alex defender Mark Ellis expects a tough opponent against Bury this Friday, as Kevin Blackwell’s side face a fight against survival. Bury have struggled in the bottom half of the table for the majority of the season but will be giving their all in their remaining seven matches to try and retain their League One status.

The Shakers are currently six points adrift of safety and their nearest rivals above the drop zone Oldham Athletic have two games in hand as well. It will be tough, and Ellis knows that they will be scrapping for everything against Crewe at Gigg Lane this Friday.

Ellis told the club’s official web-site: “We managed to beat Bury at home with a late goal, but it was a tough game. They gave everything they could that day and made it difficult for us, and I expect the same on Friday.

“They are struggling in the bottom places, so they will be giving everything they have got to try and win the game. It will be a tough game. They will come out of the traps against us and we will have to stand up to that.

“We need the points to keep our hopes of a play-off place alive and we have to keep up picking points if we are going to give ourselves a shout of making it.

Mark added: “We are playing for places and you cannot afford to take a backseat or not push yourself because the manager has shown that if performances are not up to scratch then he will change things.”