Boss pleased with small steps forward.

Crewe Alexandra manager, David Artell, believes that our 2-0 win over Wigan in the Football League Trophy was another step in the right direction. Crewe deserved the victory on the night and following the home win, have progressed to the knockout stages of the competition with a game to spare.

Artell was pleased with the manner of the victory at Mornflake Stadium. He told the club’s official website: “Saturday’s second half against Cambridge was disappointing, but we drew the game and probably produced our best 45 minutes of the season in the first half.

“We put another 45 minutes together against Wigan and were better in the second half, so that is a step in the right direction.

“We had a good 20-minute spell against Rotherham, 30-35 minutes at Plymouth when we were better again and then 45 minutes against Cambridge where we were better again.

He added: “That is my opinion and some people may disagree with me, but I think we are getting better and heading on the right track. We have to get even better and sustain it for longer periods. The players are on a journey and they know where we are at the moment.

“They will make mistakes along the way and we will lose games too I am sure but I have no qualms about them sticking at it and we will get better. We have good players and we will make them better.”