David Artell says it goes to show the strength in depth we have in the squad at the moment when you consider that Chris Dagnall, Chris Porter and Callum Ainley were all unused subs at Mansfield. Artell has great options to choose from and he elected to go with Harry McKirdy and defenders, Perry Ng and Michael Raynes on Saturday, as we saw out a deserved 4-3 victory.

The Alex boss told crewealex.net: “I spoke with Callum on Friday before the game and told him that he needed a breather. That is all it was.

“I haven’t forgot what Porter and Dagnall did for us when the chips were down. It is easier to play in a team that is doing well than not so well. When we needed those players to stand up they did. That goes a long way with me and shows the character they have.

“I haven’t forgot those who played when it wasn’t going so well before the new year. As a manager you tend to have more admiration for them, it goes a long way in my book.

“I’m sure those who are not in the team at the moment will continue to do all they can to make sure they do get in the team. It is all about getting the shirt and then playing well enough to hold on to it.”