Gaffer says we gave Gillingham the initiative with the first half goals we gave away.

David Artell says that his Crewe Alexandra side got what they deserved as our 10 game unbeaten run came to a disappointing end at Gillingham. Steve Evans’ side thoroughly deserved the three points after taking full advantage of our own mistakes in the first half and that let an out-of-sorts Alex with too much to do in the second half.

After Olly Lee’s headed home a fourth goal it was well beyond our reach after an hour but Chris Porter did pull one back late on after good work from debutant Antony Evans.

Following the 4-1 defeat, Artell told us: “Gillingham fully deserved their win this evening. There are no complaints from us. It was justified and when you give a Steve Evans team any hope or initiative then they will punish you.

“We gave them three goals in the first half and it cost us the game. We tried to roll the ball into midfield when we were facing their press and you cannot do what we did. We gave the ball away and they took full advantage of that.

“We know what to expect from them and when you give them opportunities, they are going to be even more in your face and shorts. We didn’t stand up to that enough and got what we deserved.

“Saying that if we had gone in at 2-0 and then get the next goal like we should have through Owen Dale when we blasted over then we are back in the game. Instead we concede another in stoppage time from our mistakes and it is virtually game over.

“When it is tough going, to have to hang in there and see it out and make sure its 2-0 instead of 3-0 and stay in the game. There are lessons to learn. We will go through it on the way home and got through things with some individuals and go again.

“The one bright moment was our goal. We created plenty and had chances but didn’t take them. Football is about both boxes and when you gift goals and don’t take any, then it becomes a long night and it is going to be a long trip home as well.

Artell added: “The one positive was Ant Evans when he came on. He was very good. He has created a goal and could and should scored one as well. It was our first look at him if you like and he did well. We know what Stephen (Walker) can do, so we expected that from him.”