Crewe Alexandra boss David Artell believes that the recruitment of Michael Nottingham and Stephen Walker on loan during the January transfer window has improved us going forward. Nottingham has lost just one game since signing on loan from Blackpool and Walker has come into the team and shown that he can replicate the recent form of Daniel Powell.

Winger Powell had scored three goals in his last three appearances before a slight hamstring strain has seen him sidelined since our home win over Oldham.

Artell told the club’s official website: “I feel as though we had a good January with the recruitment we made of Michael and Stephen coming in and no-one going out.

“The two lads have come in and added to the team and the squad. Hopefully, it will continue to bear fruit and we will finish where we want to finish.

“We know what we have got to do. It won’t be easy and it won’t be given to us on a plate. We have to keep pushing and striving every day to take us our ultimate goal.

“We have that winning mindset and we are open about our objectives. Why wouldn’t we be confident and it is just the case of getting over the line.”