Steve Davis says build-up to this weekend's derby won't change

Steve Davis says the build-up to this weekend’s derby clash at Port Vale will be no different. Although appreciating the importance of the fixture to the club’s supporters, the Alex boss wants his players to focus solely on the game and not the occasion.

Crewe will be looking to avoid a second successive defeat to the Valiants after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Micky Adams’s side back in November.

Ahead of this weekend’s game at Vale Park, Steve Davis told crewealex.net: “Everyone knows how important the local derby is to the supporters. It is nice for them to have the bragging rights until the next one and we know that just adds to the atmosphere.

“We have to treat the preparation as we always do. It will be a normal week and we will approach the game the same way. We know it will be another tough game and we have to respond from Saturday’s defeat to Brentford.

“There was some frustration carried over from Saturday and that was a good in a way as long as it is controlled. They want to put it right against Port Vale and get back on track. The training has been good so far and we look in good shape. “