Crewe Alexandra boss David Artell hailed today’s 2-1 away win at Newport County as our best of the season . The Alex moved to 43 points thanks to goals from front two Harry McKirdy and Jordan Bowery but he was also quick to praise his team for the way they defended our box against incessant crosses and long throws from the home side.
Following the 2-1 win at Rodney Parade, Artell told the club’s official website: “I’ve said to the boys that this was the best performance of the season. It wasn’t a vintage Crewe performance but we really stood to them. The number of balls going into our box was incessant but we headed most of them out.
“They were bound to head one in from a set play, not because of us not trying to stop them because they have worked their socks off to stop the balls going into our box. They have put 382 crosses in or something like that and they have headed one in. Michael Flynn has them playing an effective game and it is a terrific result for us to come here and win.
“We thoroughly deserved it because I thought we were the better side. We had 13, 14 men out there today and I was really pleased with the way we stood up to them physically.
“Jonah came on at half-time because Tommy was finding it difficult. He was off the pace but he has played three games in a short space of time. He is 19 and has been terrific for us, He was disappointed to come off but he has been great for us this season. It was an ask for him to go again after Coventry and Forest Green.
"Jonah hasn’t played for 10 months and came on and did a professional job. They all did.
“Harry (McKirdy) is a natural goalscorer, he showed that here with his finish. He has flicked it over the defender and buried it. He and Lewis Reilly are the best two finishers in the club. We are all pleased for him.
“Jordan is a different person at the minute. He is contented. He has just had a baby and his home life is good. He has a real belief in himself and he is playing at the top of his game. I wasn’t surprised he tucked it home after Charlie’s shot had come back off the post.
Dave added: "The move for the second goal with the interchange between Charlie and Jordan was worth the three points alone. It was a terrific move and Jordan finished it well."