Artell says hard graft on and off the pitch will be the only way to move away from bottom places.

David Artell says his Crewe Alexandra team have to keep working hard to improve if we are to avoid being dragged into a major relegation scrap. Crewe lost 4-0 to fellow strugglers Hartlepool on Tuesday evening and although the boss was happier with the way we defended set-pieces, we made costly individual errors on the night.

Artell told the club’s official web-site: “After we had a good week I said that no-one here would be getting carried away and we have had two disappointing results. It has been frustrating and the players know they have to keep working hard to improve.

“I thought that we defended their set-pieces better but we made individual mistakes and that has led to four goals. We have not won away from home for a long time now and the players have to believe that they can go away from home and boss the game.

 “I felt for the fans on Tuesday night, who travelled up there to support us. The second half was not acceptable and it is something we have to improve on.”