David Artell is demanding more courage and bravery when it comes to defending set pieces. Crewe allowed a 1-0 lead slip through our grasp against Colchester at the weekend mainly because the U’s showed more determination to get on the end of things at corners.

Artell, who had prided his whole playing career on heading the ball in both boxes, was left fuming as Colchester were provided with an easy passage back into the contest from their set plays routines.

The Crewe boss says: “When you don’t defend set pieces then you get what you deserve. I cannot remember Colchester having a shot on target in the first half. I think they had one from 30 yards or whatever that went over the crossbar then they get one corner and goal.

“We worked on them throughout the week and I told them how important they were going to be. Before the game, I told them that we defend the set pieces properly we would win the game. They are such a big part of football and they have scored two of their goals from set plays. What chance have you got?

“The second one has come over, no-one is prepared to put their head on it first. He hits the crossbar and then he heads home the rebound. That is three contacts and we haven’t touched it.

“They have to take responsibility and be prepared to head the ball or make sure that they don’t head it first. They need to have that courage and bravery that comes with saying ‘my man is not going to head that before me’.