Crewe Alexandra boss, David Artell, says that one of the plus points from last night’s 3-0 defeat to Mansfield Town was the performance of substitute Oli Finney. The Academy graduate replaced James Jones just after the hour mark and Artell says that the Staffordshire-born midfielder has done his chances of more involvement at first-team level no harm at all with his positive attitude.

Finney broke forward when he could, was eager to get on the ball and played a full range of both short and long passes. His form at Under-23 level this season has seen him move up the pecking order when it comes to midfield selection.

Artell told crewealex.net: “I thought Oli was terrific. He showed good energy and looked a player. He got on the ball and it isn’t easy to find those forward passes when the opposition are 3-0 up and they are restricting the gaps. There wasn’t much space but he continued to try and pass through the lines.

“He did well in tough circumstances and he has done his chances no harm with that performance. We have had to show that patience with him but it is beginning to pay off. He is a looking a player.”