Steve Davis challenges his fringe players to showcase talent against Witton

Steve Davis says tonight’s Cheshire Senior Cup tie against Witton Albion will provide another chance for his fringe players to prove that they are ready to step up into the first-team. Davis has reiterated the importance of performing in reserve games, for the club’s Under-21s and in training sessions as he aims to find a winning formula at first team level.

The Alex boss has certainly been fair in giving all members of his squad a chance with only young James Jones unlucky not to have made an appearance for the first-team this season. Jones is currently away with Scotland’s Under-19s and is unavailable for selection tonight or for the visit of Coventry City this weekend.

The likes of Brad Inman will have another chance to impress the club’s management staff against Witton tonight. After performing well last week against Ipswich’s Under-21s, the likes of George Cooper, Chris Atkinson and Liam Nolan were all handed starts at Bradford City.

Ahead of tonight’s fixture Steve told the club’s official web-site: “All the games we are involved in at whatever level are important. The players know they are always being assessed here. That happens in training every day and if someone stands out then they have a chance of playing for the first-team, especially when things are not going so well.

“The players who play in the reserves or in the Under-21s know there is a reason behind us all watching their performances. If they play well then we try and reward them. That was certainly the case after the Ipswich game when some good performances in that game saw them rewarded with a start for the first team. That is how it should be.

“The reward is there for them. It helps with their fitness but it is another opportunity for them to impress.”