David Artell believes that our high level performance against Charlton Athletic on Tuesday evening proves how far his Crewe Alexandra side have improved throughout the season.

The Alex were unfortunate not to defeat Nigel Adkins’ play-off hopefuls and deservedly picked up a point thanks to Owen Dale’s really cool finish in stoppage time.

Artell referred to our earlier encounter against the Addicks when the visitors won 2-0 at Gresty Road at the start of the season and said that his side had learnt greatly from those opening weeks of the campaign.

The Alex boss told the club’s official website: “When we played Charlton, it was our first game back at this level and we were too naïve and open that day.

“We had too many players trying to find their feet and in truth that happened for four or five games.

“The performance on Tuesday showed the progression we have made.  There are things we could do better and we got done on a set-piece but we showed how much we have improved. I think Charlton have improved as well.

“We should have more points than we have but that we where we are. There is still plenty more to come and it is all part of their development.”