Michael Duff claims that the prize money earned from the FA Cup makes the game even more important for the club during Covid-19.
Cheltenham Town face Crewe Alexandra in the second round of the Emirates FA Cup this Saturday at the Jonny-Rocks Stadium.
The Robins will be going into the tie five games unbeaten whilst League One Crewe have lost their last two, most recently a 1-0 loss away to Accrington Stanley on Tuesday.
Cheltenham are unbeaten at home against Crewe in their last five games, winning two and drawing three and will look to beat the Railwaymen to progress to the illustrious third round.
Michael Duff’s side have not reached the third round since the 2012/13 season, having lost in the second round for the last two seasons.
In the first round of the cup, Cheltenham beat non-league South Shields FC 3-1, whilst Crewe played out an impressive 3-2 win away from home to Bolton.
“They’re a very good team to play on Saturday,” says Duff. “However, we want to win. Prize money is a big thing for clubs even more so this year.
“Can’t speak highly enough on Crewe, they have good recruitment, coaching and some great experienced players, a similar model to us.
“It isn’t quite the same if there are limited supporters but still an awful lot better than behind closed doors, the players won’t need to adapt to fans being back, they’ll be desperate”.
“It was really good to be back playing, I underestimated how long it’s been,” loanee Finn Azaz said. “You always want the team to do well when you’re out.
“I haven’t experienced playing with fans but I’m sure it’ll be much better. I’m really looking forward to the FA Cup, it’s a huge competition so hopefully I can get my first goal”.
Azaz came on for 20 minutes against Cambridge United on Tuesday having not played since the start of October coming off as a substitution versus Crawley Town with an injury.
“My ankle feels normal, it’s just a case of getting my fitness up. I feel well prepared to play a full game”.
