Following Crewe Alexandra’s 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United Development Squad, David Artell was honest enough to admit that the ‘better side won’. A goal in each half from Liam Smith and Luke Charman sealed the Checkatrade points for the impressive youngsters. Jordan Bowery’s late reply made a game of it but it was too little too late from the Railwaymen.

Artell told crewealex.net:  “We were beaten by the better team on the night. I am not going to dress it up they were better than us and were crisper with their passing and movement. They were more diligent in their work. They played at a better tempo than us and those micro seconds all over the pitch manifests into chances.

“We huffed and puffed but I didn’t think we deserved anything from the game. That is not being defeatist. It is realism from what I saw and believe.

“Make no mistake, they were a good side. They will be alright those lads.

“It is not all doom and gloom though. There were some positives. Jordan got a goal. Owen was impressive when he came on and Pickering was good. I am not too despondent and we roll on to Saturday.

“We had to wrap up a few in cotton wool because we have a few carrying knocks, so we will have to assess things and go again."