David Artell admits that Plymouth Argyle’s late goal made it an anxious last few minutes at the Alexandra Stadium this evening, but he believes that the better side won over the 90 minutes.

Crewe deservedly won 2-1 thanks to first half goals from Charlie Kirk and Owen Dale and Artell was delighted with another top class performance at Gresty Road.

Artell told the club’s official website: “The better side won on the night. We saw the impact of five subs and it gave Plymouth more energy in the second half but they resorted to long balls and that is what got them back in the game late on. A couple of ricochets and Jephcott stuck it in.

“It made it a bit of a nervy ending but it should have been done and dusted by then. We had enough chances to have been out of sight. We could have scored more in both halves and their goal changed the game late on.

“I think they had one shot that Will Jaaskelainen had to save at the second attempt and George Cooper flashed one across the box.

“For us, Kirky had a few chances and their keeper made a very good save from Finney. We should have been more comfortable than it looked but the best team won.

“It was a wonderful pass from Tom Lowery for the first goal and a very good finish from Kirky.

“It is four goals in four games from Owen Dale. That is four different opponents and he is heading in the right direction.

“Tommy was exceptional in the first half. He ran out of legs in the second half but he ran all day. He is a terrific fella and a terrific player. It was tough physically for him tonight in the second half but he gives everything he has got.

“The midfield saw their best player, Danny Mayor subbed off after an hour and they deserve credit for that. They played well again tonight and the only disappointing thing was that we conceded that late goal and lost the clean-sheet.

“We should have taken more of our chances again but we are improving. We have won a few games and that’s it. We are going along nicely but we can still improve."