David Artell believes that Crewe Alexandra’s impressive first half performance against Newport County was the catalyst for our late comeback. Crewe led 1-0 at half-time through Jordan Bowery’s fine finish and it should have been more.

Second half goals from Newport’s Antoine Semenyo and Padraig Amond put Michael Flynn’s side in the lead heading into the last few minutes.

A foul by the Newport County captain Fraser Franks on our own skipper, George Ray, gave Chris Porter the chance to level things up on 88 minutes and the experienced striker once again kept his composure from the penalty spot.

Crewe demonstrated great character to go on and win all three points in injury time. Callum Ainley’s composed finish following a crazy melee inside the Newport box sealed a superb three points.

David told the club’s official website: “Our first half performance was terrific and we should have been more than one goal up at half time. We deserved to be.

“We played some great football in that first half and they had to work hard to press us. The conditions played a part in the game because there was a strong wind but I think because we played so well in the first half and kept the ball so well, that they were tired in the last ten minutes.

“I wasn’t surprised by that and they tried to defend what they had. Our lads showed great character in the last ten minutes. They kept going and we literally forced the winning goal into their net. I was pleased with that goal because we kept the ball alive and there were a large number of them getting in there and trying to score a winner.

“We deserved to win on our first half performance alone in my opinion.”