Boss hoping key decisions do not play a part in FA Cup tie this weekend.

Crewe Alexandra didn’t have much luck in the FA Cup last season, exiting at the first round stage to non-league Eastleigh. Crewe had a couple of stonewall penalties turned down and we didn’t get much protection from the referee for players such as Brad Inman and Ryan Colclough, who had to be withdrawn after 35 minutes.

The tie flipped on its head when the Crewe goalkeeper Ben Garratt was sent-off for a challenge on Yemi Odubade just after the hour mark. The Eastleigh forward was heading away from goal and had lost control of the ball, but referee Carl Boyeson still showed Garratt the red card for a professional foul. The red card was later rescinded on appeal but the damage was already done.

Garratt’s replacement Daniel Nizic then promptly conceded a penalty on 75 and Ben Strevens tucked it home to knock us out.

Steve told crewealex.net: “I think you do make your own luck but we didn’t have much of it last season in the FA Cup. We had Ben incorrectly sent-off against Eastleigh and his replacement came on and conceded a penalty.

“We got the card rescinded on appeal but it’s too late. You are still out of the FA Cup and you feel hard done by. We didn’t get the rub of the green in that game with a lot of the decisions.

“Hopefully, fortune won’t come into it on Saturday. We want a competitive game and let’s see who progresses to the next round. That is what it is all about.”