Boss delight with win and performances of those trying to get in his team.

David Artell felt his Crewe Alexandra side deserved their 1-0 victory over Shrewsbury Town in the EFL Trophy. A Ben Knight goal in injury-time from Chris Porter’s knockdown sealed a second win of the season and hopefully that will transfer some belief and confidence into our forthcoming league matches.

Following the 1-0 win at the New Meadow, Artell told the club’s official website: “I thought we passed the ball well and moved the ball well and I told the players that it didn’t matter if it took 40 minutes, 60 minutes, 70 or 90 minutes to get that chance and take it. If you pass the ball properly often enough you will get opportunities.

“I thought we got just about what we deserved. We have a number of good chances in the first half and maybe we just made the wrong decision in that part of the game but Travis has put a great cross in, Chris Porter did what he does and it was a great finish from Ben. It wasn’t Oli Finney at Wimbledon this time but Ben at Shrewsbury, it was a really carbon copy goal.

“It wasn’t an easy chance but good players make it look easy and he is a good player. I am pleased for Ben and I am pleased for a number of others because they performed well.

“Scott (Robertson) only trained with us yesterday, so for his debut when he doesn’t know all the other players names never mind how they play was admirable. He performed really well for a young boy and will only get better with the games and the work we will be able to do with him out on the training ground.

“There were some real pleasing things from tonight.”