Ex-Stag Artell hails win over former side

Former Mansfield Town defender Dave Artell said his side's 4-3 win at his old club today was the best football he had ever seen from a Crewe Alexandra team.
Kane Hemmings (left) in action against Crewe.Kane Hemmings (left) in action against Crewe.
Kane Hemmings (left) in action against Crewe.

The Railwaymen boss was purring after a game in which they sparkled their way to a 4-1 lead and then saw his young side defend like men against a late aerial assault.

Said Artell: “People will remember that last 20 minutes and say we got lucky – but did we hell?

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“We were 4-1 up at half-time and they couldn't get anywhere near us. We missed three other great chances.

“They were throwing balls into the box and going for it – they had nothing to lose.

“But the football we played in the first half was some of the best I have seen a Crewe team play, though I wasn't here in the golden years, but we were terrific.”

He continued: “The pleasing thing is they are actually disappointed in the dressing room.

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“That's how far we've come. There's no hollering or whooping.

“It's still a great result against a play-off team.

“The lads dug in in that second half and wore the shirt with pride.

“When I asked them to be men for that last minutes, they were. It was as if the Luftwaffe were going for our box. Balls were coming in from everywhere. But we saw it through and deserved the victory.”

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