Crewe Alexandra boss David Artell has revealed that the goalkeeping position is like any other and that if players are not performing to their usual standard then they run the risk of being left out regardless of their past or position.

David Richards got the nod to start the season in goal, but he lost his place following the 6-0 loss at Colchester United. Ben Garratt regained the number one spot and he kept a clean-sheet against Macclesfield Town before parrying one out into the six-yard box at Tranmere, but Artell says that he will excuse mistakes if players continue to do what is asked of them.

David told the club’s official website: “It looks as Dave was left out because he let six goals in at Colchester but it wasn’t just one bad game. We have spoken to him about it and he has taken it on the chin and got on with it.

“There were other things that went into the decision to bring Ben back in. It was football-related things and Dave has to learn from that. As a manager you ask players to do certain things and when they stray from that or don’t do it, then you have to change it.

“Dave is a great kid and a superb trainer and he is still learning.

“Ben could have done better with the second goal at Tranmere. He could only parry the shot back out and it resulted in a goal.

“The third goal he could have made himself bigger and the lad has gone round him but he was left out to dry by others in front of him. It was a collective mistake.

The manager added: “The competition for goalkeeper is like any other position and I know that Dave will now be pushing Ben all the way, like Ben did to him when he was left out.”