David Artell has told the club’s official website that he is not surprised that his team popped up with another late goal to salvage a deserved point against rivals Port Vale on Easter Monday. Substitute Charlie Kirk popped up in the 93rd minute to produce a stunning finish from a George Ray pass to see a thrilling derby encounter end in a 2-2 draw.
Artell and his staff have worked hard on developing a never-say-die attitude and the Crewe boss says that we may not found those recent late goals earlier in the season.
Ahead of this weekend’s trip to Mansfield Town, Artell said: “I was not surprised that we showed the character and resilience to get something from the game on Monday. It is all about the mentality and having the correct mindset.
“We have shown that over the last 7 or 8 weeks and I would like to think we have found that resolve now. It cannot just flip over night. It takes time and we are getting there.
“It certainly helps when you have a stronger squad and you can turn to players like Porter, McKirdy and Kirk to come on. It makes a difference.
“I am not so sure we would have done that earlier in the season but we have been able to bring someone like Charlie on to make a difference. He is a good player and has good experience now. He has played 60 odd games and has more maturity now.
He added: “It makes a difference when you can bring someone on who has that level of experience rather an inexperienced player who has played less than 10 games. It is more of a risk then and the subs we brought on against Port Vale all had the potential to change the game.
“When that happens, you tend to score goals, and take points that you perhaps you previously didn’t”