Crewe Alexandra boss David Artell says that hindsight is a wonderful thing when things do not materialise like they should. The Alex boss took the decision to recall his captain George Ray following his suspension and leave out Nicky Hunt, who had performed admirably in his two-match absence.

Callum Ainley’s well taken brace at Mansfield Town as a substitute understandably earned him a recall to the starting XI and Charlie Kirk was also back in the team with James Jones and Ollie Finney having to settle for places on the bench. They were both unfortunate to lose their places after doing a hard working job for the team at the One Call Stadium in wide areas.

Following the 3-1 defeat to Cheltenham, the Crewe boss said after changing a winning team: “With hindsight it’s probably not the right decision is it? That’s the truth.

“The lads that were left out did well at Mansfield but we were at home and it was a different type of game. It was a difficult call to make but you have to go with what you think gives you the best chance to win the game.

“It’s not an easy pill to swallow. Callum (Ainley) didn’t do anything wrong or Charlie (Kirk) but that’s the world we live in and we had to change it after George was sent-off.

“I didn’t think we were poor, but we weren’t brilliant. And when you go down to 10 it changes people’s mindsets and it becomes a tough ask.

The boss added: We are still looking to finish the season strong, that was always going to be the target and it always will be.”