First team coach Alex Morris believes that our run-out at Altrincham this Saturday will be very similar to the opening friendly at Nantwich Town. Crewe lost the game 2-1 but more importantly, the majority of the Crewe squad got 45 minutes of playing time under their belts at the Weaver Stadium.

Crewe now face Phil Parkinson’s side at Moss Lane this weekend as our pre-season preparations continue.

Morris told the club’s official website: “I don’t envisage the Altrincham game being too different to the Nantwich game. They are always good tests.

“When a league club now plays a non-league side, I think it is different from 10, 15years ago because they are usually young lads who look after themselves more. They go to the gym after work and train. The difference in fitness levels was not like it used to be.

“The gap in terms of fitness is not as wide as it once was, so that makes it a tougher test for a start. They are all really good work outs.”