David Artell praised the contribution of his substitute Brad Walker after his introduction helped us get over the line against Notts County on Tuesday evening.

With County boss Kevin Nolan making a triple substitution on the hour mark and introducing towering forwards Shola Ameobi and Jon Stead, Walker’s extra height in place of Tom Lowery helped protect our advantage before Jordan Bowery added a second goal with a classy finish on 66 minutes.

Walker helped screen the back four and Crewe Alexandra deservedly picked up the three points and a second successive clean-sheet at home.

Artell said of the club’s summer signing from Hartlepool: “Brad was absolutely terrific for us. Kevin (Nolan) made his three subs and Kenny (Lunt) turned to me and said, right let’s get Brad on.

“They bought their big lads on but Brad has gone in there and screened in front, and it worked perfectly. He won his headers, passed it well and that tackle, I don’t think we have seen one like at Gresty Road for a few years.

“That is what you want though. When they play on that edge and stand up to the physicality then they are a terrific team.

“Brad is a young lad. He has moved away from home for the first time but he has settled in well and he is a great lad. He is a great fella and I have all the time in the world for him because he is a good player as well.”