Crewe Alexandra manager David Artell says he knows how competitive Neil Aspin was as a player and he expects his Port Vale to be reflection of him. After losing our previous two group games to Newcastle’s U-23s and Oldham, The Railwaymen travel to the home of our near neighbours hoping to end our involvement in the Checkatrade Trophy on a high.

Port Vale can still qualify for the knockout stages of the competition and Artell is expecting a typical derby encounter with Aspin now in charge.

David told crewealex.net: “Neil has come in and got them going. They are on a decent little run and will be feeling a bit like us after having a good result on Friday night against Oxford in the FA Cup.

“I remember facing Neil as a player and he was always a real competitor. His team will mirror him and I’m sure they will be a different proposition to the team we faced earlier in the season.

“Vale can still progress to the next round, so Neil will be looking to win the game and make sure they get through the group. We cannot do that but we will still be going there looking to win the game.”