David Artell says that his Crewe Alexandra side showed enormous desire to try and win all three points against Mansfield Town at the weekend.

Crewe took an early lead through Chuma Anene’s third goal in two games and we had further chances to have extended our advantage but we were open at the back too and Andy Cook capitalised on a defensive mistake to score an equaliser just before half time. Both teams had chances to win an open game with Nicky Maynard twice being denied by the agile Will Jaaskelainen and also hitting the post with a diving header.

Charlie Kirk hit the post for Crewe with a great effort and Oli Finney and Anene also had chances to put us back in front.

Artell was pleased with our adventurous style as we chased the victory at Gresty Road. At one point, centre-half, Eddie Nolan joined in with the attacks and stayed high up the pitch.

He told the club’s official website: “It was a really open game on Saturday with two teams having a go. It was two different styles but I thought it was a really entertaining game with chances at both ends.

“We were not so much gung ho at the end but we were adventurous. We went for the win and that left us vulnerable on the counter attack at times. I was pleased that the players backed themselves to try and get all three points.

“We were wide open at times but we were inventive in attack and on another day we may have got that winner. As a spectacle it was good.”