Crewe Alexandra have accepted an invitation from Bristol City to train at their facilities ahead of this weekend’s game at Exeter. The arrangement was mentioned at the FA Youth Cup on Tuesday evening and it has allowed Crewe to travel down south earlier today in readiness for this weekend’s fixtre.

David Artell told the club’s official website: “We have trained well all week and worked on different scenarios and how things may turn out.

“We have accepted the chance to train on grass at Bristol City. With the games we have had at youth and Under-23 level and the weather, we have had it has been difficult to train on grass, so it is a good opportunity to leave early and train on the way.

“We spoke with Lee (Johnson) on Tuesday at the Youth Cup game and the grateful to everyone at Bristol City for allowing us to train. We would gladly return favour if they need somewhere to train in the north.

“It is something different and it will help with our preparation.”