NANTWICH Town kick-off their pre-season at home to League One neighbours Crewe on Tuesday.

Player boss Steve Davis says the Dabbers will be looking to put on a good show in front of a potential bumper crowd at Jackson Avenue.

Although a traditional fixture down the years, this time around has a little added incentive to pull in supporters.

Arguably Nantwich are at their strongest and most buoyant ever after lifting the FA Vase back in May.

Alex fans played their part on a journey that culminated with a superb day at Birmingham City's home of St Andrews.

And while Dario Gradi is likely to split his first team players with Crewe also at Quorn, fans will be hoping to see the new boys like Neil Cox on a short drive down the road.

"We'll need to put out the strongest side we can," explained Davis.

"We've got a good relationship with Crewe.

"They've been good to us, they let us use their facilities before the FA Vase final and a lot of the Crewe supporters came to support us along the way.

"There should be a good crowd for this game, I hope there is.

"Although they'll split the squad, it's a fair trek to Quorn and they've got one or two new faces in the ranks who supporters will want to see.

"Hopefully they'll be playing at Nantwich.

"It'll be a good workout and should be a decent game of football."

An interesting clash with the Welsh Premier League outfit Connah's Quay Nomads will follow, next Saturday.

Scheduled to be playing at Flint Town due to work on their own pitch, Nomads should prove tough opposition.

Davis says a number of trialists will get an opportunity to shine during the pre-season.

"We've been back for a few weeks now," he added.

"We're well into our fitness work now we'll look at the teamwork.

"It's now about getting everybody back into their roles.

"We've not been able to have a clear look at the trialists yet but we'll give them an opportunity during the games."