David Artell was pleased that his side didn’t lose their Boxing Day fixture against Fleetwood Town after going a goal down minutes into the second half. Mikael Mandron deservedly drew the Alex level just after the hour mark - but a share of the spoils was arguably fair over 90 minutes. Genuine chances were few and far between in a scrappy affair, littered with fouls.

Following the 1-1 draw at the Alexandra Stadium, the Alex boss said: “I didn’t think it was an improvement on last week at Wimbledon and that is what we ask from the players. But when you don’t play as well as we can then it is important not to lose the game.

“It was two teams that cancelled each other out. They by and large came and pressed us and we didn’t get quite enough moves going. When you don’t play well then a point against a well-established League One side isn’t too bad.

“I am sure Joey (Barton) will complain about the referee but I don’t want to talk about him too much because he cost us the League title last season.

“It is six unbeaten in the league and that is a positive. When the performance isn’t as good as it has been then not to lose is important.

“The goal we conceded was very soft. The lad has run in behind and we had the chance to clear it.

“We had to use our brains rather than brawn and we did that better in the second half. 

“I’m told that there could have been an offside for Mikael’s goal but it has stood. He has tucked it in well and a draw was a fair result.   

He added: “I am not sure at the moment what is happening with the Rochdale game on Tuesday. I am sure we will know a bit more in the next 24 hours. Will we have to wait and see and at the moment we will plan accordingly.”