Callum Ainley’s recent minor rest did him the power of good according to Crewe Alexandra boss David Artell. Ainley was left out of the emphatic 6-1 home win over Crawley after playing 90 minutes at Cambridge United and then he was timely introduced as an impact substitute against Mansfield Town at the weekend.

Ainley was introduced just after the hour mark for James Jones and the talented 21-year-old went on to score a brace in the last 20 minutes to seal a memorable 2-1 win for the Railwaymen. It took his personal tally for the season to six goals.

David Artell told crewealex.net: “I know Callum was disappointed not to start against Crawley and then not to get on the pitch but we just felt he would benefit from a little rest.

“We wanted him to be a bit revitalised and fresh and he has come on against Mansfield and scored two goals. He looked like he had benefitted from that rest. He had that verve about him, sprinting past Tom Lowery to take his pass and drive it into the far corner.

He added: “He came on and won us the game and the subs were terrific for us. They all played their role and we need everyone to be ready like that when we need them.”