CREWE'S home League One clash with MK Dons on September 26 could be chosen as a pilot game to usher fans back into Gresty Road.

While nothing has been finalised yet it is understood the club's second home fixture of the League One campaign, which kicks off on Saturday, is being looked at as part of the nationwide experiment of allowing restricted numbers of supporters into sporting venues under strict Covid-19 measures.

The Alex kicked off the season on Saturday with a home Caraboa Cup tie against Lincoln City (1-2) and are behind closed doors again tomorrow night when they travel to League Two Bolton in the EFl Trophy (K.O 7pm).

Already pilot events to test the safety of sports stadia and venues have taken place, including the World Snooker Championships at the Crucible last month and the Edinburgh versus Glasgow rugby clash at Murrayfield, where 700 fans were allowed in.

A small crowd (2,500) also watched the Brighton versus Chelsea friendly at the Amex Stadium on August 29.

League Two Cambridge are the first EFL club to schedule two matches as part of the government's pilot scheme with 1,000 fans being allowed in for the EFL Trophy tie with Fulham under-21s tomorrow night and up to 2,500 fans for the club's opening fixture on Saturday.

Access to pilot games is being strictly controlled with safety measures and track and trace in place.

If Crewe's MK Dons game does go ahead as a pilot only season ticket holders will be considered for entry. So far the club has sold just over 2,000 season tickets.

Alex boss Dave Artell hinted: "I think we will always be an attractive proposition, so if fans haven't bought one yet I suggest they do.

"I would imagine that is the only way you are going to get into the ground. I don't imagine it will be at full capacity.

"If you can afford it I would suggest you raid your piggy bank and your wife's purse as it will be good value for money."

Artell's selection choices at the University of Bolton Stadium for the EFL Trophy game will still be dictated to by a raft of niggling injuries and he may offer game time to several youngsters who were on the bench for the Lincoln opener.

Teenage striker Tyreece Onyeka, defender Travis Johnson, 19, and midfielders Josh Lundstram, 21, and Regan Griffiths, 20, were all included then.

And their manager said: "They have got to be ready when an opportunity knocks, like last year when Rio Adebisi played against Aston Villa (in the Caraboa Cup) and Travis played at Mansfield in the EFL Trophy.

"Billy Sass-Davies was ready on Saturday and I thought he did fine."

Up to eight Alex players were unavailable against Lincoln. New signings Offrande Zanzala and Donervon Daniels along with Chris Porter, Daniel Powell, Tommy Lowery and Luke Offord are carrying injuries, while another new recruit Omar Beckles was ineligible.

Of the EFL Trophy tie - which can be streamed live from Crewe's official web site as well as Bolton's for £10 - Artell emphasised: "We've got a good game, but Saturday (against Charlton) is more important.

"Bolton have played a competitive game since we played them in pre-season, but it will take time for them with that many signings (Wanderers have made 17). I am sure they will be there or thereabouts towards the end of the season.

"If we win the game we get some prize money which is handy."