Crewe Alexandra manager David Artell is targeting a sustained run in the Checkatrade Trophy and he is looking for his side to get off to a positive start against Newcastle United’s youngsters in Group D this evening.

The Alex host Peter Beardsley’s side at the Alexandra Stadium and Artell wants Crewe to do their best to emerge from a tough group, which also contains Port Vale and Oldham Athletic.

The Railwaymen lifted the trophy for the first time in our history in 2013 and Artell says he would love to emulate that success and take the club back to Wembley for a final.

Ahead of this evening’s clash at Gresty Road, Artell said: “This competition is potentially a rich source of revenue for the Football Club. It is an opportunity and everyone at Crewe knows how exciting it can be once you get to the knockout stages.

“We have done well in the competition in the not so distant past, so to do that again would be fantastic.

“We are four games unbeaten in the league, so it is another opportunity for us to build on our momentum. A positive performance and result would be another boost to our confidence.”