Crewe Alexandra players must use tonight’s Cheshire Senior Cup tie against Witton Albion to stake a claim for first-team action (Tuesday, 7.45pm).

That’s according to Lee Bell, who will be looking out for players who demonstrate an understanding of what is required at League Two level.

He explained: “There is plenty of time to practice what they need to practice individually, but they have to quickly get in line with the fact that it is a team game.

“What you do with and without the ball is massively important. We have good players, but they must show that they understand how we want them to play.

“It’s about mindset – perform well as a team player and show me you can get somewhere near the team.”

The likes of Callum Ainley, Oliver Finney, Connor Evans, and Joel Tabiner, are among the players expected to feature in the second-round tie against Northern Premier League side Witton.

Bell added: “For me, all these games are classed as ‘reserve games'. If they perform, they have a much better chance to be selected for the first team.”

Only the Boughey Stand will be in operation for both sets of supporters to pay on the day.

Ticket details:

Due to our commitments in the Cheshire Senior Cup, our Under-21 fixture with Coventry City has been postponed.