Steve says the carrot is there for both clubs with Sutton awaiting tonight's winners.

Crewe Alexandra manager Steve Davis says the carrot of a possible place in the third round of the Emirates FA Cup is there for both clubs this evening. Crewe take on Cheltenham in a replay tonight with the winners having the advantage of knowing that we will face non-league Sutton United away in round two.

Davis has not considered the possibility of playing a potential FA Cup tie on a 3G playing surface yet, but he says that landing a tie against non-league opposition is all you could ask for from a draw at this stage.

Ahead of our clash at Gresty Road, Steve told crewealex.net: “Both clubs have the advantage of knowing that we will face Sutton in the second round. The carrot is there for both clubs. Cheltenham will be thinking the same and we know what it would mean for us and for them to get through and then have that chance of a lucrative draw in the third round.

“That is what every lower league and non-league club dreams off and although we haven’t thought about Sutton, that won’t be easy on their 3G pitch. Their home record is very impressive and it will be tough for whoever gets through.

“We are only thinking about Cheltenham and making sure we progress. The performance is secondary really. It is about getting the result and making sure you get through.

The Alex boss added: “I don’t know why, as a club, we find it hard to progress in the competition. Hopefully, this will be our year but firstly we have a tough hurdle to get over with Cheltenham.”