David Artell believes that three goals flattered Plymouth Argyle and didn’t flatter us as we started the new season with a rare home defeat.

Plymouth’s summer capture from Bury, Callum McFadzean, scored twice on his debut for his new club and our former wide man, Joel Grant netted the other.

Crewe had their chances too though and found Alex Palmer in inspired form for the Pilgrims. He pulled off stunning saves to deny Chris Porter and Charlie Kirk in the first half and Paul Green and substitute Callum Ainley in the second half.

Following the 3-0 loss, Artell told the club’s official website: “I agree it wasn’t a 3-0 result but we won’t be dressing it up. It is a 3-0 loss and a defeat and that is what it is.

“We didn’t do enough to stop them scoring in the first 30 minutes and they did a hell of lot to stop us scoring. On another day it could have gone for us. Their goalkeeper was their best player today and we couldn’t find a way past him.

“He made a double save in that first half and then a minute later they go up the other end and score a second goal. It could have been 1-1 but instead its 2-0, and it’s those fine margins and they came at a critical time today.

“They then scored a third goal with the last kick and the 3-0 scoreline has flattered them a bit and not flattered us. We had our own chances but we couldn’t make it 1-1 and make it a different game.

“We should have had a stonewall penalty and a red card for their lad but I am not going to stand here and talk about the referee.

“There are plenty of positives and anyone who came to the game could see that but it is what it is, we have lost 3-0. We looked fit and I thought we controlled the second half well but there are other aspects that needed addressing.

He added: “We will show them the video and learn from it. Our decision making could have been sharper and we were not as fluent and fluid as we have been in that first half but it is the first game. It is a disappointing result but there are 50 plus games to go.”