Crewe boss says defensive will have to montior Hanson, Stead and Clarke closely

Steve Davis says his side will have to defend exceptionally well to keep the likes of James Hanson, Jon Stead and Billy Clark quiet to make sure we get the result we need on Sunday. The Crewe boss is a keen admirer of Bradford’s forward players and he knows that we will have to restrict crosses, free-kicks and corners going into our penalty area.

The Crewe Alexandra boss told the club’s official web-site: “We have been defending reasonably well of late and have certainly improved our defending at set pieces over the course of the season.

“We know the threat that Hanson and Stead offer both in the air and on the floor and we know all about Billy Clarke as well from his time with Crawley last season.

“We will have to stand up to them and if we can’t win those first balls against Hanson then make sure we win the second ones. He is arguably the best target man in the division, big and strong and he uses his aerial ability and physicality to great effect for the team. Hanson and Stead have been a good partnership and Clarke has the ability to play right up there, behind the front players or out wide. “