Crewe Alexandra manager David Artell praised his side’s defending against promotion favourites MK Dons on Saturday. The Railwaymen held Paul Tisdale’s side to a goalless draw and although the visitors went closest to breaking the deadlock with Kieran Agard hitting the woodwork with a header in the first half, Crewe still had their opportunities to claim all three points themselves.

Crewe gave a good account of themselves against a side that were relegated from League One last season and Artell was pleased that we limited them to just a handful of openings over the 90 minutes.

Artell told the club’s official website: “I thought the back four were terrific for us and the two central midfielders put a shift in.

“Nicky (Hunt) was the sponsors’ Man-of-the-Match and I didn’t know that but there were a few contenders for it on the day. I thought Nicky played well. I don’t think I am going to teach him too much at 35. He has great experience and I’ve said all summer that he gives us something different. He has helped us and will continue to help us.

“The two centre-halves were terrific and I thought Harry (Pickering) gave it a right good go for long periods.

The manager added: “We have been pretty solid defensively and that has to continue. If we can do that and become more imaginative in the final third then we will be a tough team to play against this season.”