David Artell knows that Keith Curle's side will be aiming to end tough run of results.

David Artell knows the Carlisle United manager Keith Curle better than most after being signed twice by the former Manchester City and England defender during his own career and he knows that his Crewe Alexandra face another difficult away assignment at Brunton Park.

Carlisle’s grip on an automatic promotion place may be slipping away, but they are handily placed in the play-off places and Artell is going to make sure his in-form side are not complacent.

Ahead of our trip to Carlisle, Artell said: “I have watched Carlisle and they are a good team. They are in the play-offs and have a good manager. I know how good he is.

“They are in sixth place. We played Colchester last week and they are trying to get where Carlisle are, so we know it will be a tough game.

“They play some good football but they can also mix it up. It should be a good football match and we will go there believing we can get the job done.

He added: “We have to embrace the challenge like what we have done at Portsmouth and Crawley and if we do that then there is no reason why we cannot deliver the goods again. That is the aim.”