David Artell says his Crewe Alexandra side will have to be wary of the threat of the country’s leading marksman this weekend – but admits that there is more to Micky Mellon’s side than just the prolific James Norwood.

Crewe face an in-form Tranmere Rovers at Gresty Road aiming to end a run of four straight defeats in all competitions.

Norwood, 28, has started the season in exceptional form and has scored 13 goals in 17 appearances thus far.

Artell says there is a lot more than the threat of Norwood in the Tranmere ranks.

Ahead of our clash this weekend, the Crewe boss said: “Tranmere are very industrious and workman like. They will be a typical Tranmere team. It is never easy to play against them. They are fairly physical, never give you a moment’s peace and will be right up against you.

“When you play any Tranmere team, you know you are in a game with them because Micky and his staff with demand it. Their fans demand that level of hard work and they can play a bit as well. They are creative and have the league’s top scorer, which always helps.

“Norwood has been prolific this season but they don’t totally rely on him. They have good players and Mullin, Cole and Jennings are all a threat as well.

“Whatever Tranmere do we will have to match them. If they are physical, then we have to stand up to that.  If they want to play football then we have to be better than them at that.”