David Artell says that his Crewe Alexandra need to become more clinical after he saw a number of chances go begging in the first half at Carlisle United. Crewe eventually lost 1-0 thanks to Sam Crosgrove’s headed goal in the later stages of the game and Artell says those fine margins are costing us dearly.

After reviewing the Carlisle performance again, the Crewe boss said: “I actually thought we defended well for much of the game. Other than the goal, I don’t think they had too many chances. Ben didn’t have to make any saves.

“They had a goal ruled out for offside but that is good play from us not a chance. Catching someone offside is not a chance and I told them that afterwards.

“We needed to be more clinical in their box. We should have been out of sight. We had enough chances to be two or three goals up and if people don’t believe me then them making two substitutes and changing the formation at half-time says it all.

“Keith changing their formation helped them and they have scored the only goal from a deflected cross that landed on their player’s head. It is those fine margins and we have been on the wrong side of too many of them.

“We have to get back it. Christmas showed that we can do it. We can win games and we are not far away but we have to take those chances.”