David Artell is expecting another tough assignment against the youngsters of Newcastle United tonight.

Crewe Alexandra will be hosting Newcastle’s Under-21s at the Alexandra Stadium this evening hoping to build on the three points we collected from our first group game against Bolton Wanderers.  

Newcastle arrive in South Cheshire having already beaten us previously in August 2017 in the EFL Trophy. Goals from our former midfielder, Liam Smith, and a deflected own goal from Eddie Nolan gave them a 2-1 win that night.

Ahead of tonight’s game behind closed doors, Artell told crewealex.net: “I am expecting a tough game. They will be athletic and will move the ball around well. I am sure it will be a highly technical game and they will ask us questions.

“We have to make sure we are on top in the game and try and impose ourselves. Most of the Under-23s in the competition will be strong and we have to make sure that we are better than them on the night.”