David Artell was pleased to have ended 2018 with another home win but he knows that his Crewe Alexandra side have to replicate that form on the road if we are going to establish ourselves in the top half of the table. Crewe thoroughly deserved the three points this evening - but had to grind out the result against Stevenage in the end because we didn’t take advantage of our first half chances.

Following the 1-0 win thanks to Chris Porter’s well taken penalty, the Alex boss told us: “Even on the first half performance alone it was a deserved three points. I don’t think anyone would have complained if it had been 3-0 or 4-0 at the break.

“We had the chances. Chris had a good chance and I wouldn’t criticise anyone for shooting when they are in the centre of the goal. Jordan had a couple of chances and had one for a tap in.

“1-0 made it a bit nervy when it shouldn’t have been, but we saw the game out really well. They would have had a ticking off at half time and they had a bit of go but I cannot remember then getting in behind us. Ben didn’t have too many saves to make and we defended well.

“They were relying on something dropping to them in the box more than anything. They moved Kennedy onto Wintle to stop him playing and that was okay with us because he is their most influential player. Ryan’s contribution to the win cannot be underestimated.

“We should have been out of sight in the first half and on one hand I was disappointed at half time because we should have scored more than the one we did. It became more of a battle but we showed a good level of professionalism.I just told them they had to go out and do it again because there was only the one goal in it.

“It was another good three points at home and our home form has been good. We have to replicate that away from home.

He added: “Physically we were good and we have to go again. We have to start picking up points away from home and that is what we will try to do at Bury on New Years’ Day. “