Cheltenham Town stand between the Alex and the third round of this year’s Emirates FA Cup, as David Artell’s Railwaymen travel to the Jonny Rocks Stadium on Saturday (3pm KO).
The Robins, who sit 2nd in Sky Bet League Two, set up a visit from Crewe when they edged past non-league outfit, South Sheilds in round one, while the Alex booked their place in round two with victory over Bolton Wanderers.
The hosts are unbeaten in their last five matches in all competitions under the guidance of manager, Michael Duff. Crewe, meanwhile, will look to put Tuesday night’s defeat to Accrington Stanley behind them and recapture their form in the cup this weekend.
A win for the Alex would not only see them reach the third round for the second year running, but also be allocated a ball in the draw which will now include sides from both the Premier League, and the Championship.
Opposition: Cheltenham Town
Competition: Emirates FA Cup
Date: Saturday 28th November
Kick-off: 15:00
Venue: Jonny Rocks Stadium
Match Official: James Adcock
Previous meeting: 18/01/2020 – Crewe Alexandra 1-0 Cheltenham Town (Ng 69’)
How to watch:
Supporters will be able to watch the Alex take on Cheltenham for free with a single camera broadcast stream provided by the BBC.
Alex fans can watch the action unfold via the BBC Sport website, and on BBC iPlayer, along with 12 other matches over the course of the weekend. The usual match video pass will NOT be available via iFollow Alex.
Key Player: Alfie May
The 27-year-old Gravesend-born striker may only have been playing at a professional level for three years, but May has found his feet at Cheltenham, having signed with the Robins in January of this year, following his departure from Doncaster Rovers.
The 5’9 forward needed time to force his way into full-time football, and began his career in Essex, with Billericay Town in 2012. Following a year with the Ricay, May moved on and enjoyed spells with the likes of Chatham Town and Farnborough, as well as an unsuccessful trial at Gresty Road, with Crewe.
May’s dedication paid dividend though, as he earnt a switch to the Keepmoat Stadium in January 2017. While at Doncaster, May enjoyed promotion to League One, and registered 117 appearances, scoring on 23 occasions while with the South Yorkshire side.
This season, in his first full campaign as a Robin, the ever-present front man has registered three goals, and three assists in Cheltenham’s first 16 outings.
The Gaffer’s preview:
Live-text updates:
Follow @crewealexfc on Twitter for regular in-game updates from an hour before kick-off when the team news drops, right through to the full-time whistle & beyond. Use the hashtag #CreweAlex to join the discussion.
Also, keep an eye on ‘Crewe Alex Official’ on Facebook for major match updates. Both social media services are free of charge.