Artell wants more of the same from Coops, Daggers and Bowery.

David Artell was elated with the performance of his front three at Crawley on Tuesday evening and the Crewe Alexandra boss is after more of the same against Colchester this weekend. Not only did Jordan Bowery get on the score-sheet for the first time for the club, but Chris Dagnall marked his return from suspension with his fifth goal in five games as well.

Artell also saved praised for young George Cooper, who he described ‘as the best player on the pitch’ from Tuesday night.

Artell told crewealex.net: “The front three were terrific. They defended from the front and they pressurised the opposition into making mistakes. They got us on the front foot on Tuesday night and set the standard.

“I was delighted that Jordan scored his first goal for the time. He has been telling me that he wants to be scoring goals and I’ve spoken to him to reassure him that he is doing just fine for us.

“I think everyone was delighted for him. It was a great ball from George, his first touch was excellent and his second was just as good to tuck it away.

“George was beating himself on the way home because he didn’t score but he was the best player on the pitch on Tuesday night. He was absolutely terrific and they couldn’t contain him.

“Daggers work rate is exceptional and that rubs off on the others. The third goal was a superb team goal and Daggers is on a good run at the moment. It is just a shame that we didn’t have him for those three other games.

“All three of them were excellent on Tuesday, they got after them and when we had the ball, we looked a real threat every time we went forward.”