Michael Duff has spoken on Cheltenham’s Emirates FA Cup tie against Crewe Alexandra this Saturday at the Jonny Rocks Stadium.
“It was a good solid performance against one of the better teams in League Two,” Duff said, speaking on the 1-1 draw against Cambridge United on Tuesday. “It comes with a bit of frustration, obviously. A lapse of concentration has cost us, but we will learn from it. Most people would have taken seven points from the last week.
“We face a very good team on Saturday, but we want to win. Prize money is a big thing for clubs, even more so this year”. Duff watched Crewe live in action last week. “We didn’t learn anything we didn’t know, they play a 4-3-3, have more experience together and are really accomplished. I can’t speak highly enough of them, they have great recruitment and great coaching, a similar model to suit.
Crewe manager David Artell before the Oxford United vs Crewe game
“The game is important for different reasons, there’s a carrot for the players and there’s a financial aspect for the club’s point of view. It’s not going to define our season. We’ll have to be at our best, it’s a tough draw, if we’re not at our best we’ll get beat. It’s a nice incentive to play for, the big third round tie is something to get the players and fans excited about”.
With the prospect of fans returning to stadiums in the near future, Duff claims that the players are desperate to play in front of an audience again.
Cheltenham Town in action against Norwich City U21’s in an empty stadium
“It won’t be quite the same with limited supporters but still an awful lot better than behind closed doors. Our players won’t need to adapt to fans being back, they’ll be desperate for them to be back and have a thirst for the game. The prep, analysis and training doesn’t change with or without fans”.
The Robins have been without West Brom loanee Finn Azaz for over a month due to an injury he sustained against Leyton Orient, however the midfielder made his return to action in Tuesday’s 1-1 draw. Azaz has made eight appearances this season, scoring twice.
“We’re pleased to have Finn back, he gives us something slightly different and I thought he did well against Cambridge. I’m not sure if he’ll start Saturday yet, we haven’t decided the team yet, but I know he’s willing to get minutes.
“The Bradford game midweek won’t affect the team we’ll choose, we’ll pick a team to win the game”.
