CREWE Alex step up their preparations for the 2020/21 season this week looking to maintain their 100 per cent record in warm-up games.

First-half goals from Callum Ainley and Daniel Powell saw the Alex register a 2-0 win against Walsall on Saturday in their fourth behind-closed doors game at Reaseheath.

Dave Artell's side have previously beaten Welsh sides Connah's Quay Nomads (3-1) and Bala Town (4-0) and eased past an Accrington Under-23 side (4-2). Their other pre-season outing also produced a comfortable win (4-1) at League Two Salford last Tuesday evening.

Short trips to Cheshire neighbours Nantwich Town and Witton Albion (Tuesday) have been arranged for this week, as has a warm-up clash with fallen giants Bolton.

Crewe will learn more of their season's schedule this week as the fixtures for the Championship, League One and League Two are out at 9am on Friday, just three weeks before the season kicks off on Saturday, September 12.

A congested campaign will actually start on Saturday, September 5 with round one of the Caraboa Cup, the draw for which is on Tuesday (August 18) on Sky Sports News, although some first round ties may have to be rescheduled because of the international calendar.

The group stage draw for the EFL Trophy is also on Tuesday (1.30pm on Talksport 2) and with the first games pencilled in for the week beginning September 7 Crewe's players could already have two matches under their belt by the time the League One season kicks off, initially behind closed doors.