Alex boss targets more clean-sheets in the run-in.

David Artell says he was pleased that his Crewe Alexandra side saw the game out against Doncaster Rovers to claim all three points and only a third clean-sheet since Christmas. Mikael Mandron may have received the plaudits for his winning goal some ten minutes into the second half against promotion-seeking Doncaster on Tuesday night – but Artell was equally delighted with the shut-out at the Alexandra Stadium.

Artell told crewealex.net: “As I said, I thought it was as comfortable 1-0 win as you can get (against Doncaster) on Tuesday night and it was pleasing to get that clean-sheet.

“We could have kept the ball better in the second half but we were not disastrous in possession either. We were up against a very good Doncaster side. They are in the play-off positions and are a good footballing side, so they will keep the ball.

“They did that in the second half but they didn’t open us up and that is the most pleasing thing. I cannot remember Trig (Dave Richards) really having to make a save because of our defensive shape.

“I thought the midfield three were outstanding. Murph was outstanding in his work, Tommy was exceptional in the first half and Ryan did his job looking after their most dangerous player.

“The back four and goalkeeper did their jobs and it meant we were defensively tight. We will need more of that in the remaining games.”