Perform or prepare to sit in the stands

On Monday Dario made four changes to notch up just our 4th win of the year and it was in style with Higdon and Symes, the latest strike partnership, winning the three points for Crewe. With 10 defeats since the start of 2004 it has more than doubled the defeats total we had on 31st December 2003 and Dario is warning the players to play for their places or face the cull.

Vaughan and Hignett have already received that treatment with both sitting out of the 16 on Monday and with Ben Rix, Richard Walker, Chris McCready, Lee Bell, David Vaughan and Luke Varney all waiting Dario knows he's not short of options.

He told the Sentinel: "There are a few looking for a chance and if the players currently in the team drop below their normal levels then we will give others a go.

"Players need competition for places and it does keep everyone on their toes. You always need that threat someone can come in and take your place if needed and its been clear that some players needed a rest.

"Last year we had the luxury of having Rob Hulse and Rodney Jack, but we haven't had that this season."