Alex kick off with 4-1 win

David Artell says he was pleased with the club’s first run-out in the pre-season at our local neighbours Nantwich Town.

Crewe won 4-1 at the Weaver Stadium thanks to goals from Ty Onyeka, Regan Griffiths, Joe Robbins and John Lundstram and most importantly got 45 minutes into the majority of his squad.

Following the pre-season opener, Artell: “First and foremost it was great to see the supporters back in. It was great to see them.

“Then it was to remain injury free and get 45 minutes into them. There are a few bumps, kicks and whacks but nothing serious. The score is not important. It was important to get 45 minutes into players who have not played for two months and see how sharp they look in comparison to each other.

“It was a real good showing and there were a lot of pleasing things to see. It was a decent start. We usually lose at Nantwich and have a good season, so hopefully that is not the reverse and we win and have a poor one.”