David Artell praised his captain’s leadership skills as Crewe Alexandra fought back from 3-1 down to win 4-3 at Tranmere Rovers for the first time in 18 years last night.

The Alex boss says that his skipper George Ray was doubting his fitness in the game after having a stop-start beginning to the new season – but that he dug in to see the game through.

Artell explained: “George has been in and out this season after his injury on the opening day of the season and he was doubting his fitness in the game at one point. He has played two games in a short space of time but he really dug in for the team and showed his leadership skills.

“George showed great character as a captain to get through the 90 minutes and led by example. That was real positive stuff from him and the other lads to come back from 3-1 down. “