Crewe Alexandra manager David Artell has praised the job that Michael Duff has achieved at Cheltenham and says that the Robins are third in the league on merit.

Ironically, Duff’s first game in charge of Cheltenham was in this very fixture last season with the game ending goalless. Cheltenham won the reverse fixture 3-1 at Gresty Road with our then captain George Ray sent-off.

Ahead of this weekend’s fixture, Artell told the club’s official website: “Cheltenham are going well. They are third in the league and they are there on merit.

“Michael has done a good job there and they have some good players, but we have some terrific players as well.

“We have had eight different scorers, so I am sure Michael will be telling his players that we are capable of getting goals from all over the pitch. Long may that continue.

“They will be a tough nut to crack and will be full of confidence, especially with their home form as it is.

The boss added: “We have won four away games and if we can play to our potential then there is no reason why we cannot make that five.