It’s third vs second at St James Park on Tuesday night, as Exeter City look to get back to winning ways against a strong Crewe outfit AND continue their push for automatic promotion.
Here’s all that you will need to know about Tuesday’s opponents…
- Year Founded: 1877
- Nickname: The Railwaymen
- Honours: Football League Trophy: 2012-13
Crewe Alexandra were founded in 1877, as they look to create a separate organisation to Crewe Cricket Club. They got the name of 'Alexandra' from Princess Alexandra, who was wife of King Edward VII.
They entered the Football Alliance in 1889, before becoming founding members of the Football League’s Second Division. Despite being founding members, Crewe failed their re-election after finishing rock bottom during the 1895-96 season. After spending many years in more local leagues, Crewe Alexandra finally returned to the Football League in 1921, as they were invited into the Third Division North.
After spending a lot of their history in the Third and Fourth Division, the Railwaymen found themselves in the Championship after the Football League reform in 2004. After two seasons in the Championship, they were relegated to League One in 2006 and League Two in 2009.
After once again returning to League One, Crewe managed to win their first major trophy in their history, as they beat Southend United 2-0 at Wembley in the EFL Trophy Final.
Today, Crewe find themselves back in League Two, and despite a few disappointing seasons of late, they are looking a strong outfit this season, with automatic promotion the primary aim, as they look to return to their former glory days of playing in the Championship.
Last time out
Morecambe 1 Crewe Alexandra 1 | February 29, 2020 | EFL Sky Bet League Two
Promotion chasing Crewe Alexandra have to settle for a point at the Globe Arena, as Perry Ng’s goal just after half time is cancelled out by Aaron Wildig.
The Manager
David Artell
Former centre-half David Artell had an entertaining playing career where he made 467 appearances between 1998 and 2017. He started at his hometown club of Rotherham United, where he made 37 appearances and scored 4 goals. After a loan spell at Shrewsbury Town he played for clubs such as Chester (City), Morecambe and Northampton to name a few, before retiring in 2017 at Droylsden.
He was appointed as Crewe manager in 2017 after the sacking of Steve Davis, as he successfully saved the club from the despair of relegation.
The Ground
- Name: Gresty Road (Alexandra Stadium)
- Capacity: 10,153
- Year Opened: 1906
- Address: Alexandra Stadium, Gresty Rd, Crewe CW2 6EB
Gresty Road opened in 1906, following the demolition of the Alexandra Recreation Ground for railway lines in the local area. The stadium is a fully seated stadium with four stands, including the famous “Ice Cream Van” stand which is proudly advertised on top of the stand.
The record attendance at Gresty Road stands at 20,000 which was achieved during an FA match against Tottenham on 30th January 1960, where Crewe managed a 2-2 draw. Unfortunately, the replay didn’t go to plan as The Railwaymen were thumped 13-2 at White Hart Lane.
One to Watch
Charlie Kirk (8 Goals, 15 Assists)
A goal scorer and an assist machine, Charlie Kirk has been one of the standout players in League Two this season. He started his career at Crewe after coming through the youth set up, where he made his debut in February 2016. His first goal for Crewe game during a routine 2-0 victory over Cheltenham Town where he grabbed the second goal of the game.
Key stats
Most recent meetings
Crewe Alexandra 1 Exeter City 1 | October 5, 2019 | EFL Sky Bet League Two
An early first half goal from Dean Moxey is cancelled out by Chuma Anene, as the Grecians are forced to share the spoils against The Railwaymen.
Crewe Alexandra 1 Exeter City 2 | February 23, 2019 | EFL Sky Bet League Two
Goals from Jake Taylor and Matt Jay give Exeter City the three points at Gresty Road, with Chris Porter on target for Crewe.
Exeter City 1 Crewe Alexandra 0 | December 15, 2018 | EFL Sky Bet League Two
A fantastic goal from Lee Martin seals the three points at St James Park, with Crewe missing an open goal late on in the game.
Head to Head
- Exeter City wins: 20
- Draws: 13
- Crewe Alexandra wins: 16
Ticket news
Your support has been crucial to City's strong season and once again we need your vocal backing to drive City to another 3 points.
Tickets are on sale at advance prices until 5pm in person and midnight online, on Monday, March 2 so you can save time and money, and pick your seat in advance. Click here to book online.
