David Artell says it will be a different type of test for the Alex this weekend as Keith Curle brings his Cobblers to the Alexandra Stadium

David Artell admits that Crewe Alexandra will face a different type of test against Northampton Town this weekend. The Alex return to Gresty Road for the first time since defeating Swindon 4-2 earlier in the month and we will be boosted by the permitted 2,000 fans allowed back in the stadium.

Keith Curle’s Cobblers deservedly won promotion through the play-off route last season and are always a robust and difficult side to get the better of.

Artell says that there is ‘no secret’ to the way Northampton play but stresses that his side will have to be ready for a competitive encounter at the Alexandra Stadium.

Ahead of our weekend fixture, Artell told the club’s official website: “There is no major secret about how Northampton play or what they are about. We know how Keith (Curle) likes his team to set-up and what their strengths and weaknesses are, but you have to be ready for it or you will get turned over.

“It is as simple as that because if you don’t match them they you will be in for a tough afternoon. You have to match them physically and not give away cheap wins in the game, those free-kicks, corners or losing your personal duals. You cannot afford to give goals away from set-pieces and have to stand up to it.

“You have to do the basics really well because if you don’t, a team like Northampton can hurt you. They have done so in the past and we have to improve on that.

“Having 2,000 fans back will give us some normality back. It will focus the players more because no-one has played competitive matches without fans. That was harder to adjust to.

“We would have all played in front of 2,000 fans or less before at this level, for a cup tie or visiting a non-league side or whatever, so we will be more used to it.

The boss added: “There will be some noise and it will make a difference to the players and their performance.”