WE TRAVEL to face a Crewe Alexandra side who always try to get the ball down and pass. I am expecting them to be energetic and athletic and have plenty of attacking options available to them with the likes of recent signings Clayton Donaldson, Calvin Zola and Anthony Elding.

It's going to be another stern examination for us, but we go into the game on the back of a hard-earned victory over Scunthorpe United last weekend.

We earned the right to win that game and in the end the three points were well deserved. Scunthorpe made life difficult for us, but we kept our composure, discipline and passed and moved the ball better to get our just reward.

We conceded a sloppy early goal, but I was pleased with the response. Marco Reich's free-kick had quality written all over it and I am pleased that Jabo Ibehre popped up with the winner. He has been superb for us and works extremely hard for the team. He has the respect of everyone in the dressing room and I am pleased that he is getting the goals that his performances deserve.

I thought that the supporters got behind us well and I am delighted for them that we were able to get the three points.

I would like to think that we will take a good following with us for the short trip to Gresty Road and we will need each and every one of you in good voice as we face a side who, on their day, are as good as anyone at this level.

We have had a number of quality players missing in our opening games, but the lads who have come in to replace them have done extremely well. Obviously if we pick up any more injuries then we will have to look at bringing new faces in, so, as is always the case, we will be keeping our finger on the pulse.

JIMMY MULLEN