David Artell admitted that Rotherham’s extra quality in their squad proved the difference as Crewe exited the Papa John’s Trophy following a thrilling cup-tie.

Crewe eventually lost 4-2 to the current League One leaders and Artell was pleased that his side fought gallantly until Rotherham’s substitute forwards proved the difference.

Artell told the club’s official website: “It was a good game and can see why Rotherham are top of the league and used to winning. They have a culture that is very good. The difference was the quality they had in their squad. They could bring players on who cost £500,000 and we bought a young lad on making his debut. That was the difference and we have to accept that.

“I thought we scored two goals and had some better performances than we did on Saturday but there were some poor performances as well and they came from some players that played on Saturday.

He added: “We also conceded two goals from crosses and their equaliser was about us being out of shape rather than Rotherham moving us out of shape. We looked good at times and like other games in this competition we got a lot out of it.”