Stat Attack: Notts County vs. Crewe Alexandra, Saturday 15 October 2016

Notts County’s head-to-head history with Crewe Alexandra dates back to September 1893, when the Magpies faced the Railwaymen at the Alexandra Recreation Ground. The result was a 2-0 win for Notts.

After several further meetings in the late 1890s, the fixture would experience a hiatus of 63 years; between 1896 and 1959, the two teams didn't play each other.

Despite our shared history going back so far, there have only been 41 meetings between the two sides.

Notts have the upper hand with 21 wins to 13 defeats, and just seven draws have taken place.

Our recent head-to-head record is nothing short of astounding - in the last 10 fixtures between the clubs, Notts have won eight and drawn two.

The origins of the “Alexandra” moniker in the club name aren’t fully known. Whether they took the name from a hotel, patronised by those connected with the railway works and where they held their meetings, or whether it was after Princess Alexandra of Denmark, who married Queen Victoria’s eldest son, later King Edward VII, is open to speculation.

Crewe is synonymous with arguably one of the greatest and most longevous managers in the English game: Dario Gradi.

He is the Alex’s very own Sir Alex Ferguson, having managed the club between 1983 and 2011, with the exception of a hiatus between 2007 and 2009 where he nevertheless took the reins on a caretaker basis for a period.

Gradi currently manages the Academy - one of the best and most renowned in the English lower leagues. The Academy is known to stress technical excellence, which accords with the aim to have the first team play attractive, passing football.

Most of the club's achievements in youth development have come from none other than Gradi, and alumni include Geoff Thomas, David Platt, Robbie Savage, Neil Lennon, Steve Jones, Rob Jones, Danny Murphy, Seth Johnson, Dean Ashton and David Vaughan.

Impressively, Crewe’s final fixture of the 2012-13 season, a 2-0 win against Walsall, involved a starting XI made up entirely of Academy players.

In 2013, the club won its first-ever major silverware after beating Southend United 2-0 in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final at Wembley.

Crewe are known as the Railwaymen because of the town’s links to the British train network. Crewe station was completed in 1837 and is one of the most historic railway stations in the world.

Nowadays, as well as serving the town of Crewe that has grown near it, it still operates as a major junction on the West Coast Main Line (WCML). It also serves as a major station on the WCML and as a major rail gateway for the North West.

The town of Crewe has an interesting roll call of local legends, including rugby player Mark Cueto, professional BMX racer Shanaze Reade, 1990s heartthrob Adam Rickitt (ask a female friend or relative between the ages of 25 and 30), Olympic gymnast Beth Tweddle, and Jimmy MacDonald, also known as the voice of Mickey Mouse.

Team News

Notts County have no fresh injury concerns as they look to bounce back from successive league defeats against Crewe Alexandra at Meadow Lane.

Captain Michael O'Connor is still struggling with a groin problem while fellow midfielder Alan Smith continues to nurse a hip injury.

Curtis Thompson is another midfielder who is working on his comeback but his ankle problem, which he suffered towards the end of last season, keeps him on the sidelines.

Magpies manager John Sheridan has the likes of Vadaine Oliver, a goalscorer from the bench against Morecambe in midweek, Rob Milsom, Adam Campbell, Thierry Audel and Stanley Aborah to call on should he want to make changes to his starting XI.

James Jones returns to the Crewe squad after international duty with the Scotland Under-21 team.

However, Alex boss Steve Davis has hinted he may have his work cut out regaining his place in the side from Billy Bingham, who impressed in his first start since August against Luton Town last weekend.

Defender Ben Nugent was back on the bench at Kenilworth Road after an injury absence but striker Callum Saunders' knock continues to be monitored.

Crewe have been boosted by the return to training of forward Alex Kiwomya - nephew of former Notts manager Chris Kiwomya.

The 20-year-old, on loan from Chelsea, dislocated his shoulder at Grimsby last month but is progressing well in his rehabilitation and could be in contention on Saturday.

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