David Artell could not disguise his disappointment as Crewe Alexandra exited the Carabao Cup at the first round stage. Crewe allowed a one-goal half-time lead slip away in the second half to Championship side Bolton and although pleased with the overall performance, the Crewe boss was downbeat after losing the cup-tie.

The Crewe Alexandra boss told the club’s official web-site: “I am disappointed to lose the game and going out. I want to win games. We performed well on the night but we have lost the game. We have conceded four goals in two games and another one from a set play. We can’t carry on like that.

“At least there is only one thing to work on in that respect. We won’t go far conceding goals like that.

“There was plenty to please me and we can take some comfort from the performance but I don’t want us to be nearly men. I want us to win games. I don’t want us to be pleasing on the eye and end up losing. I want us to be pleasing on the eye and winners.

“They are a Championship club and you could see the quality coming off their bench. It made a difference to them and changed the complexion of the game. We have a League Two squad and that is the way it is.

“We stopped playing football as much in the second half and ended up shelling it. We were not as reliable in possession as we were in the first half but we run a good side close.

“Now we have to focus on Saturday. We know what they will bring. Newport will be stiff opposition again after what we saw at Southend last night. We will get our rest in and prepare right.”