Crewe Alexandra boss David Artell says that tonight’s meeting with Doncaster Rovers in the Papa John’s Trophy will be another tough encounter as both clubs are trying to build some momentum for the league campaign using this cup competition.

The Football League Trophy that both sides have won in the past has now entered the knockout stage and Artell says that whatever team Rovers boss Richie Wellens selects will still make it a competitive game that both teams will be aiming to win.

The league affair back in October ended in a 1-1 draw with what Artell described afterward as a ‘nervy affair because both teams didn’t want to lose it’.

Ahead of tonight’s Papa John’s Trophy tie at the Mornflake Stadium (kick off 19.45pm) the Crewe boss told us: “All games at this level are tough and it will be the same with Doncaster. It is a knockout game and they will be looking to progress as much as we are.

“Doncaster are always going to be competitive with Richie as manager. He is a good manager and we will have to play like we did against Gillingham and like we did against Ipswich if we are going to go through.

“We certainly don’t take it lightly. Yes, it will be an opportunity for a few of them to stake their claim and I am sure Richie will pick his team as he sees fit but make no mistake we want to win and keep going in this competition.

The boss added: “I am happy to still be in it. We have won every game so far in the group stage, and we want that to continue. We are home and we want to take full advantage of and hopefully put on another improved performance to take back into the league.”