Alex boss on FA Cup clash against Michael Duff's consistent Cheltenham side

David Artell says that his Crewe Alexandra side will be coming up against one of the best side’s in League Two in the FA Cup tomorrow. Michael Duff’s side are currently second in the table and will be aiming to win automatic promotion after losing in last season’s play-off semi-final to Northampton Town.

The Alex drew 1-1 away and narrowly defeated them 1-0 at Gresty Road on the way to promotion last season.

Ahead of FA Cup tie at the Jonny Rocks Stadium, Artell said: “Cheltenham are a good side. They were one of the best side’s we faced last season and I think if the season had carried on they may have done it and secured automatic promotion.

“They then lost in the play-offs after a poor performance in the second leg of the play-offs.

“I’m sure they will be contenders for promotion again and we know it will be a tough cup-tie. They are a handful and we had two tight games against them last season.

“They were very close games and it will be a case of making sure that we are on the right side of the line again.

“They have won 13 of their 20 games this season and are used to winning. It is a tight pitch and they are dangerous from set-pieces. They have some real quality too and a really good young manager in Michael.

He added: “He has gone in and it is easy to see that he has transformed the club. Hopefully we can put a spoke in their wheel in the FA Cup this weekend and hopefully they crack on with their promotion push.”