David Artell believes that his Crewe Alexandra side are heading in the right direction after they finally overcome the hurdle of winning on the road for only the second time this season.

A well-crafted team goal, finished off splendidly by winger Charlie Kirk proved to be the difference at Stadium MK on Saturday- but do not think for one minute that it was a smash-and-grab performance aginst one of the division’s top sides.

Crewe thoroughly deserved to win the game, creating the better of the openings and defending our box exceedingly well to keep another clean-sheet.

Following the superb 1-0 win over the MK Dons, the boss told us: "They've got that type of performance in them, they aren't naive anymore. Tactically we can set them up but they have to go and do it. It's music to a manager's ears when you know they understand the game.

"We are heading in the right direction, we haven't cracked it but I am a proud man. We have a squad of players who gave their all for the club and got three points.

"The mentality is changing, you can see that realisation. The tone or content from me hasn't changed, but know they realise maybe I was right and they are delivering.

"One defeat in six, and that can go on. You have to be successful, you have to get up off the canvas and go again. You have to win games of football and I'm hoping this group is now really starting to believe in themselves.

The proud boss added: "We dug in, showed all the character we needed, and we can do it more often.”