David Artell says that the mentality of his players has to be brighter at the start of games and at the beginning of the second half after his Crewe side have disappointingly conceded early goals that have proved costly.

Crewe conceded inside two minutes against AFC Wimbledon on Saturday and gave away a dubious penalty against Plymouth Argyle after just 10 minutes the week before.

Crewe also surrendered strong half-time leads against Bristol Rovers and Rochdale recently.

Artell told the club’s official website: “It isn’t a technical issue, it is more a mentality thing and that needs to improve.

“We have to be better at the start of halves and that comes from me, the staff and players. It is a collective thing to make sure we are prepared better. We have to make sure that we are ready and the buck stops with me as the manager.

“We can all help with that. The words and actions I have before they go out have an influence and an impact and I have to make sure they are ready between the ears, as well as physically and tactically.

“It is one challenge that we have to all improve on because we have conceded some early goals that have proved costly when it comes to getting three points.”