Steve Davis looks forward to the first round of the FA Cup this weekend

Steve Davis would have preferred to have drawn a non-league side in the first round of the FA Cup instead of League One side Sheffield United. Davis says that the non-league teams reaching the first round proper is what the FA Cup is all about and the Crewe Alexandra boss would have welcomed a tie away at a club that we have never visited before.

Crewe take on Nigel Clough’s side at Gresty Road on Saturday looking to reach the second round of the competition for the first time since 2012 when we lost 1-0 at home to Burton Albion.

Ahead of this weekend’s FA Cup encounter, Steve said: “The FA Cup is still a great competition and we want to do well in it. Out record over the last five games is one of the best in the league so, if we can maintain that, we’ll have a good chance.

“The FA Cup still has the magic it’s always had. I love the occasion and there are always heroes and villains.

“Our record in the FA Cup has not been good and we keep saying that. It would be nice to have a cup run.

“I would have liked to have got a non-league team in the draw and take Crewe to a ground that we have never been before. I think that would have been a great occasion. It is always good to see the non-league sides progress to this stage, clubs like Norton and Warrington Town. It will be one of the best days in their history and that is what this Cup is about.

Steve added: “The aim is to get through to the next round. That is where the excitement comes from when you are sat watching the draw. We know it will be tough against Sheffield United and they have recently beaten us in the league, so we owe them one.”