Crewe Alex: Win or our season will have gone for a Burton, says Walton

by Gwyn Griffiths

SIMON Walton says Crewe's players are desperate to end their sorry home record by beating Blue Square Premier champions Burton Albion at Gresty Road tonight (7.45pm).

Since their 2-1 win over Macclesfield on September 5, Crewe have alienated home fans by losing successive games to Aldershot, Bury, Rotherham, Port Vale and Morecambe.

Visitors Burton have adapted well to League Two life and are lying in 10th spot, but Walton admitted: "We need to start winning games at Gresty Road.

and Burton are one of those teams we should be looking to beat. "Crewe are one of the bigger clubs in League Two and teams should fear coming here."

Walton received four injections to fend off a toe injury so he could retain his place at Northampton last weekend, but the former Leeds trainee says his fitness levels are now at a peak and he is delighted to have been handed a defensive midfield role by Dario Gradi.

"I'd had a long chat with Dario when Gudjon Thordarson left and he told me my place. But I've got my head down and worked hard to get into the side," said the 22-year-old.

"I've not had much help over the past couple of years so I could do with someone like Dario to push me on and help my career. "I feel I'm suited to the role Dario wants me to play," said the 22-year-old. I've not been a player who gets into the box and scores eight a season. "This role is more to my strengths."

Walton's experience could be invaluable in the middle of the park tonight as Steve Schumacher is ruled out with a calf injury and James Bailey (groin) is still unfit. But John Brayford should be fit to return against his former club

"It's a pity to lose both Schuey and Bailey, but Simon is getting better and we've got one or two possibilities there," said Alex interim boss Gradi. , who is convinced his side are improving.

"We made more chances at Northampton than we have done, while we gave them few. But there's room for improvement at the back."

"I'm learning about Mat Mitchel-King and Pat Ada as to be honest I'd never seen Histon play. They weren't on our radar, but Mat and Pat are good lads and they've got something to work on. If I'd had a pre-season with both of them it would have helped."