Artell has first point but waits for a win

DAVID ARTELL picked up his first point as a manager as Crewe shared the spoils against a doughty Cheltenham side.

But he was left wondering how it wasn’t all three as Crewe’s winless run stretched to ten games.

A lack of a goal ended those hopes, but Artell was heartened by the display of his young charges who were the dominant side in this entertaining stalemate.

“I’m left wondering why it wasn’t three points. If it was a boxing match it would have been stopped,” said Artell.

“It was a point, a clean sheet and the best we have played for a long time.

“We created chances galore and had Cheltenham on the back foot for most of the game but we don’t have enough quality in that final third. We gave it a right good go and I think the fans enjoyed our attacking and positive approach to the game.

“We should have had a penalty first half but we should not be relying on that. We created plenty of chances and did not take one. So guess what we shall be working on this week?”

Crewe dominated the first period with George Cooper proving a real handful for the Robins rearguard. Scott Brown denied Charlie Kirk and George Ray prior to producing a fine one-handed save to deny Cooper’s shot from the left.

The home side had valid claims for a penalty waved away when Will Boyle pulled Chris Dagnall’s shirt as Cheltenham fought valiantly to contain a rampant Alex.

Crewe picked up the same script in the second half but for all their dominance lacked a quality finish. The closest they came to breaking the deadlock was Cooper’s superb curling shot from the right which produced an equally superb onehanded save from Brown.

In time added on Cheltenham created their best two chances and would have stolen all three points had debutant Kyle Wootton’s header hit the target. “I will be the happier of the two managers, I am sure,” said Cheltenham boss Gary Johnson. “We did not play well as a team but credit must go to the players for a fine defensive display.

“Our back line are very young and I thought they did exceptionally well. That said, Scott Brown showed what a good goalkeeper he is. He not only made outstanding saves but organised us from the back.

“We could have nicked it in the end. Overall, I am happy with the point, it’s something to build on.”