David Artell believes that scoring the first goal at League One level is even more important. The Alex conceded on the counter-attack to Charlton Athletic last Saturday and Artell says that it completely changed the complexion of the contest because the Addicks soon added another through Conor Washington and were then determined to protect that advantage throughout the second half.

Artell has told his players to be careful when in possession and set up correctly if we are hit on the break.

He told the club’s official website: “We conceded the first goal against Charlton when we were in possession and one pass later the left winger is in and the ball is in our net.

“In League Two you perhaps get away with that, but in League One up against better players, you will get punished.

“The players have to understand that we have to play our expansive football, but we also have to be safe and solid in behind. We weren’t quite right with that on Saturday and Charlton got that first goal.

“We have to safe in behind when we are in possession and up the pitch because goals change games and we have to make sure that we are not chasing the game.

“When Charlton scored the second goal it gave them even more to protect and they could sit in and look to hit us on the break.

“We gave it a right good go but couldn’t quite find that goal that could have changed the game again.

He added: “We want to be that team that is nice and solid, so that when we take our chances, the opposition have to come out and chase the game.”