Alex Morris has told the club’s official website that he has been pleased with the way his side has defended against high level opposition in pre-season and we wants to see more of that structure against Rotherham United this weekend.

Rotherham are deservedly back in the Championship after being one of the most consistent sides in League One and now there are two leagues between the clubs again following our relegation.

Morris knows that the visit of Paul Warne’s side will be another stern test as we prepare for the opening day of the season at Rochdale.

Alex told crewealex.net: “We wanted to play higher level opposition like Rotherham this week and West Brom last week. We want to face Championship clubs because not only for the physical element, but also to generate the structure around the ball and behind the ball.

“It allows us to work on things behind the ball defensively that you can only really achieve in a game environment. Ultimately you only get that from playing in games and these type of games when the opposition are of a high calibre and move the ball well and want to get in behind you.

Alex added: “That is why we wanted a high level opposition in pre-season and why we were pleased to secure fixtures against Barnsley, Lommel, West Brom and now Rotherham. “