David Artell has told the club’s official website that he was most disappointed with his players ‘aggressive mindset’ in the first half showing against Northampton Town on Saturday.

The Cobblers executed Keith Curle’s game plan to almost perfection at Gresty Road to lead 2-0 at the break and although Crewe did create some really good chances late on, Artell said afterwards that it was a little too late.

The honest Crewe boss told us: “We are not at it in that first half and when we were better in the second half, we created a few chances but it was a little too late for me.

“We were at least competitive in the second half because we weren’t in the first half. We were not fluid in possession and were our own worst enemies. We just never got going at all in that first half and that is the most disappointing thing about the performance.

“There wasn’t that aggressive intent that we have shown in the majority of our home games this season. We needed an aggressive mindset and when I say that I don’t mean whacking people, I mean being competitive and wanting the ball, playing quickly, round the corner and passing to your mate. Having that real clarity in what you want to do.

The boss added: “We spoke about Northampton in the week and where they are dangerous. We spoke about and worked on their threat from set pieces and crosses and then a set piece and cross has won them the game.”