David Artell says that a substantial rise in tempo at the beginning of the second half proved decisive as his Crewe Alexandra fought back from a 2-0 deficit to win 4-2 at Gresty Road. A goal from Daniel Powell five minutes before the interval was crucial and lit the fuse for an incredible fight back that was deservedly completed by Perry Ng, Tom Lowery and Owen Dale.

Following the Railwaymen’s 4-2 win this evening, the Alex boss said: “I thought that 4-2 flattered Swindon in the end because we could have scored four or five more.  The boys were terrific in the second half after we increased the tempo.

“We thoroughly deserved to win the game and in the end it should have been more comfortable than it looked. We have come from behind, so that is one hurdle we have overcome and we had four different scorers tonight so that is a bonus as well.

“I’ve been saying that we should be sharing the goals around and Daniel’s (Powell) goal before half time was crucial. We went 2-0 down and his goal came two minutes or so after the second one and it kept us in the game. It gave us something to build on in that second half and the players took on board what we said at half-time and went out and took it on.

“It makes a massive difference to have a strong bench. I spoke to John (Sheridan) and they are carrying a few injuries as well. We have welcomed one or two back and it makes a difference. It is the same for everyone and you have to get on with it because we have been playing three games a week for a while now.

“I think we contributed to our own downfall with the goals we conceded and the subs made a difference. That is not to say that Murph and Ports did anything wrong. They both worked their socks off and Ports has hardly trained as well, so that goes to show what a top professional he is. To get what we have out of him over the last few games has been terrific.

“But then you can put Finney and Mandron on and they give you more energy and legs and they both had chances to score as well. It makes a massive difference and it did again tonight.”

On Powell’s man of the match performance, the boss stated: “Daniel likes playing on the left and it has given me food for thought. He played there against Bolton in the Checkatrade Trophy and did really well there and he has been our best player this evening.

“He was our best player in the first half, he was the most effective and he took that on and then some in the second half. He was on top form and we had to keep giving him the ball. He probably got sick of it by the end but he was a real threat and he has scored one and assisted in another two, so that is a very good evening for a forward player.”