David Artell said that a draw was a fair result as his Crewe Alexandra side had to fight back from going a goal down again this time against a very good Exeter City side.

After conceding to Dean Moxey from an early short corner routine, Crewe had to hang on at times in the first half to remain in the contest – but a vastly improved second half performance saw substitute Chuma Anene fire us level with 14 minutes left.

It was no more than Crewe deserved and he could well have nicked all three points towards the end but that would probably been a little harsh on Matt Taylor’s side too.

After the 1-1 draw, Artell told the club’s official website: “I thought a draw was a fair result. We rode our luck in the first half that is for certain. I thought 1-0 flattered us and we conceded a terrible goal from a set piece and that has got to stop because we won’t always be able to come back.

"I set to them at half time that the real positive is that it is still only 1-0.

“We were far better in the second half and deserved at least a goal. We perhaps could have nicked it with Tommy Lowery been fouled when he is clean through and then the handball but I am not going to stand here and bash the referee because I thought he was good.

“It was two good teams, two committed teams and Exeter are the best team we have faced by a distance. Saying that we played into their hands a lot in the first half and we were our own worst enemy at times.

“I thought we were able to control large parts of the second half and deserved a point. It was a really good finish from Chuma and he looked a goal threat but that is not to say Chris Porter didn’t look one.

“Daniel (Powell) looked a threat and made better decisions and that was much better from him. Greenie came on and gave us some energy.”

On the supporters, the Crewe boss told the club’s official website: “The fans were terrific and they have seen a proper football game here between two good sides. They will be there or thereabouts and hopefully so we will be.

“There was a real buzz inside the stadium and it is a great feeling to have as a manager and for the players. Long may it continue."