Crewe Alexandra boss David Artell was pleased with his side’s work ethic in driving to take the game to promotion favourites MK Dons this afternoon. The Railwaymen collected a point for their efforts and with the rub of the green could even have nicked all three points as we finished strongly against Paul Tisdale’s side. With chances created though, a draw was probably the right result.

Following the goalless draw, Artell told the club’s official website: “We might have nicked it and gave it a real go but the game reminded me a bit of the Cambridge one last season when we made Leon Legge look a million dollars because we kept crossing from deep areas and he kept heading it out. We did that again today, so there is room for improvement there.

“The longer it went on the less likely we looked to score, even though we had the impetus and thrust. There is work to do because we can be more creative in the final third. We got up the pitch really well under pressure and that is not easy to do but we have got to be better when we get there.

“We have creative, skilful players and we will encourage them to be more creative and show their skill. We want them to show that more often and play our way in.

“Overall though I was pleased because they are a good side. We know that but so are we. If all our players are fit then I firmly believe we are a match for anyone in this league.

“Another clean-sheet and a point against the promotion favourites is encouraging but I want to be winning games, especially at home. Saying that there are more positives than negatives.

“We had chances of our own. Porter should have gone with his left foot and was denied twice and he had the ball in the net but was offside.

“We limited their chances too but they hit the woodwork and had a couple of openings in the second half as well, so a draw was probably the right result.

He added: “The crowd were terrific and I think they have seen two good teams play some good football. It bodes well for the future and it is something to build on.”