Boss previews this weekend's home encounter with Rochdale

Steve Davis says Saturday’s home game against our North West neighbours Rochdale will be the perfect time to end a bit of a results hoodoo against the Dale. Crewe were on the receiving end of three heavy defeats against Keith Hill’s impressive side last season and we have not beaten them since 1993, so Davis says it is about time we changed history against one of our oldest rivals.

The Crewe Alexandra boss is an admirer of Hill’s work at Spotland and he expects another tough encounter at Gresty Road this weekend. Steve says his in decent form Crewe side will have to match Rochdale’s intense energy levels and work rate if we are to continue our unbeaten run.

Ahead of this weekend’s clash at the Alexandra Stadium, the Crewe boss said: “Rochdale are a good side and they have a great energy to their play. Keith expects a high work rate from his players and he gets that out of them week in week out. It is always a tough game against them.

“In some way we do owe them one because their record has been good over us over the last few years. History is there to be changed though and there is no better time than on Saturday. We do have to go to their ground soon afterwards because of our re-arranged fixture but our focus is only on Saturday.

“Rochdale had a great result against Burton and it shows that they can bounce back after one or two results going against them. Their performances have been good and it is just those minor little things that have cost them. It has been the case with us on a number of occasions this season. It happens even when you think the performance has been good.   

“We are unbeaten in three games and that has restored some confidence. Our performances have given us a chance and we hope to continue to do that against Rochdale at the weekend."