David Artell believes that Tuesday night’s win in the Checkatrade Trophy away at Bolton Wanderers proved to be a really useful exercise for his planning. The Alex boss made five changes to the side that started the season at home to Lincoln City in the League Cup and he gave valuable competitive game time to a number of youngsters and new signings Omar Beckles and Offrande Zanzala.

Crewe won the game 3-2 too with summer signing Mikael Mandron scoring twice and Owen Dale adding the other with a terrific goal.

Artell told the club’s official website: “You have to be careful in those types of games. You have to be mindful because you never know what the opposition will do. Bolton made four changes from the side that started the season for them, so they were virtually the first team.

“We gave minutes to some players who needed them and we won the game as well.

“If we had lost 4-0 then understandably I get it in the neck from the supporters, so you have to be careful and there were a few high scoring games on the night.

“It was a useful exercise for us. For example, Callum Ainley got 90 minutes under his belt. We left him on in the final 10 minutes, so he gets to experience that. It is important he gets used to playing tired because we will need him to do it again and again.

“We got a lot out of Tuesday night and to win the game and get the points was very pleasing.”