Lee Bell was pleased with Crewe Alexandra’s final pre-season run-out of the summer and is now fully focused on Saturday’s League Two opener against Mansfield Town.

The Railwaymen were edged 2-1 at Barnsley at the weekend, but the boss was satisfied with what he saw on the day.

Now the build-up to the visit of Nigel Clough’s side is well under way.

Bell said: “I thought it was a decent game against a good team. The goals we conceded were poor but I was really pleased with what the boys were trying to carry out, you could see what we have been working on.

“The players' fitness looks excellent and now it is down to us to make it work and push forward into the season.

“Now things will heat up over the week and we are all looking forward to the game against Mansfield. I can’t wait, it’s all about Saturdays for me so it can’t come quick enough.”

Bell had extra praise for Crewe’s goalscorer at Oakwell, Shilow Tracey, as well as youngster Owen Lunt who caught the eye.

He added: “Shilow is a very good player. Their manager came over during the game and asked where we’d found him!

“His all-round play is very good and we just have to get him into those dangerous positions. He’s a super boy who wants to work hard and be successful. 

“Owen has energy and is tenacious and he is a real plus. Forget his name, he is a real plus to the group. He has quality.”