The Bamber Bridge boss is in a confident mood ahead of this weekend’s Evo-Stik Division One fixture but he does expect a physical encounter against the North East outfit.

Brig currently lie seventh in the league table but they are only seven points off top spot with three games in hand.

The early-season form has seen the crowds slowly creep up at the Sir Tom Finney Stadium with just under 300 turning out to watch their latest home game against New Mills.

“I would love to see more than 500 come on and watch on Saturday,” said Crowe.

“It’s a huge game for us and I expect a physical game, we are desperate to play the game and we will be at full strength.”

Utility man Matt Mahoney is fully fit and will return to the squad against Clitheroe tonight, Tuesday.

But goalkeeper Lee Dovey has temporarily left the club .

Dovey is continuing his recovery from injury and has now started playing for West Lancashire Premier Division side Longridge Town, who are managed by former Preston North End striker Lee Ashcroft.

While Dovey has been out injured, Brig secured the services of young Bolton Wanderers keeper Harry Campbell.

Campbell has played more than 10 times for Crowe’s side and has drawn the plaudits on and off the pitch.

But while Campbell has impressed, the Brig boss insists that Dovey is still his No.1.

He said: “Harry has done very well for us since he came in – he has been steady and he’s improved game by game.

“But ultimately Lee is my No.1 and at some stage he will return.

“I don’t know when exactly that will be but he has made a good start playing a full game for Longridge Town.

“I want Lee to hit the ground running when he comes so I think it will take a few games for him to get fit.

“He needs to be right since his injury.”

With a place in the semi-final of the cup and three points up for grabs, Crowe couldn’t be blamed for favouring the league.

But he admits that nothing short of a win in both is on his radar.

He added: “Hopefully we can get two victories, we are confident in our ability and we’ll certainly be going into the games looking to win.”