David Artell praised the impact of youngster Owen Dale after he injected some zest into the Crewe attack at Exeter City on Saturday. Dale replaced Charlie Kirk in the opening minutes of the second half and his willingness to run in behind and run at his full-back certainly made the Railwaymen more of a threat in the second half.
Dale seems to have gained extra confidence and belief from a recent loan spell at Altrincham and with Crewe struggling for goals, especially away from home, the Academy graduate has certainly given the manger food for thought as we prepare for another away trip to Forest Green Rovers.
Talking after the narrow 1-0 defeat to Exeter, the boss said: “Owen did terrific for us when he came on. He was lively and direct in this play and he made a difference for us. That is what you want from a substitute.
“I said he was terrific but to be that he has to really create or score a goal to make sure the team get something from the game. That is what he has to aim for.
“He looked fine and showed that he can handle the level. The next step is for him to assist or score goals at first team level but we were all pleased with the impact he made.”