Matt Fisher says he is excited to see what his side can do in the 22-23 season as they welcome Curzon Ashton to the Cumberland Arena (2pm) this afternoon.

Crewe Alexandra women will be looking to claim that sole promotion spot this season after missing out with only a few games remaining last year.

But this pre-season has been one of the toughest he has ever experienced due to injuries, recruitment and other factors of being a manager.

Fisher said: "Pre-season has been a challenging one for many different reasons. We've lost a number of key players to other clubs higher up the leagues and it’s been our worst summer for injuries to important members of the team.

"On top of that, recruitment has become even more difficult with the current cost of travel, and work commitments due to the cost of living crisis. However those that we have managed to add to our group are fantastic and will give us that extra edge throughout the season."

During the off-season, Fisher and his squad have been training at the Alexandra Park complex at Reaseheath as their training ground is being renovated at Crewe in the Community's site in Shavington.

He said: "The work done off the pitch has been unbelievable this summer. With the recent ETC licence being granted which will see our youth set up take huge strides and we'll reap the benefits of that by attracting the superb local talent we have in Cheshire.

"The renovation of the soccer centre will see us benefit what is top of the range facilities and give us the tools to progress womens football in the area.

The Alex kick-off their new season at home to Curzon Ashton where supporters can watch them for free at Cumberland Arena in Crewe.

He ended with: "We’re all excited for the start as we welcome Curzon, a newly promoted team that arrive with lots of potential and will be a threat this year to a lot of teams.

"Honestly, we just can’t wait to get started now."