David Artell is looking forward to facing Lee Clark’s Bury side at Gigg Lane this weekend. The Crewe Alexandra boss says it will be a different type of test for his players with the EFL League One side expected to have more of the possession and will certainly offer a major threat with the likes of our former strikers Nicky Ajose (pictured) and Ryan Lowe upfront.

The Shakers can also call upon the vastly experienced Jermaine Beckford and midfielder Danny Major to test our resolve at the back.

Artell told the club’s official web-site: “We wanted to mix up the styles of play in pre-season and I think we have achieved that. We managed to score some goals against Kidsgrove and Buxton and then stepped up the competitiveness against Barrow and Alsager. They were physical games and that is what we were after.

“Of course, Bury will be a totally different test for us. They are a good side and Lee (Clark) has stamped his own authority on the squad this summer. He has recruited well and I see he has recently added Nicky Ajose to that on loan.

“They will present a different problem because they have players capable of opening you up and it will be a good test defensively. We will also be looking to see if we can cause them enough problems as well.

David added: “It is always a tough place to go, Gigg Lane, and it provide a perfect test against a team plating in a league higher than us this season.”