David Artell was pleased with the combination play of his new signing Alex Nicholls alongside last season’s leading marksman Jordan Bowery against League One Blackpool at the weekend.

Nicholls scored the Crewe goal in a deserved 1-1 draw against Gary Bowyer’s side and Artell was pleased with the signs the new look partnership showed.

Saying that, the Alex boss is keeping his starting XI against Morecambe close to his chest and he believes that any of his five strikers could form a partnership throughout the season.

David told crewealex.net:  “Kenny (Lunt) said to me afterwards that a real bonus is Alex getting off the mark and I suppose it is. I was a defender and don’t really think about that too much, but it would have been nice for him to score during his first game at home.

“Alex puts a shift in and he looked sharp. I thought he and Jordan combined well together and they create some chances. It was good to see them have an understanding because they haven’t played that much together.

“It will be the same with all the others. We have a lot of good options in the forward positions and I’ve said that whoever is in form will keep the shirt. We have five strikers and it is up to them to grab the advantage.”