Steve wary of wounded Latics after they were beaten by Southend in mid-week.

Crewe Alexandra boss Steve Davis says we will have to be wary of a wounded animal with Oldham Athletic arriving in South Cheshire tomorrow. David Dunn’s Latics were beaten 5-2 at Boundary Park in mid-week by Southend - but they were left to rue some missed chances in the game. Our former Academy graduate Michael Higdon scored both goals for the Latics.

Oldham come to Crewe were a fine away record this season. They are unbeaten on the road during this campaign and the former England International Dunn sets them up to be hard to break down and they are dangerous on the counter attack.

Ahead of our meeting this weekend, Steve said: “Oldham have been doing well away from home this season and they have some good players. They conceded five in the week against Southend but I know they created a lot of chances and had a lot of possession.

“They didn’t score when they were on top in the game and then conceded at crucial times. That has happened to us this season at home, so we know that the result may have flattered Southend a bit. We lost 3-1 to Swindon ourselves and that was never a 3-1 sort of game.

“They are unbeaten away this season and set-up to be dangerous on the counter-attack. More teams are doing that away from home, so you have to be careful.

“When you play at home, you have to be on the front foot because the onus is on the home side to attack and take the game to the opposition. We try and be as positive as we can in front of our home fans and sometimes that can bite you.

“You have to be on the front foot as much as you can but also careful not to leave the back door open.

“Oldham have just bought Ritchie Wellens in on loan and he is very experienced and good on the ball. We know about Michael and what he can offer them and then they have Fuller and Philliskirk as well, they are all good forwards who can hurt you. The midfielder Kelly is also a player I like.

The boss added: “We know that on our day we can beat anyone. We showed that against Sheffield United not so long ago but we have not shown that enough at home this season. We want to be picking up points against the teams in and around us in the league and this weekend is an opportunity for us to do that.”