Dave Artell refused to blame the awful London Road pitch for Crewe Alexandra’s 2-0 defeat at Peterborough United on Saturday.

Crewe went into the game buoyed by a midweek win at Shrewsbury Town, but Artell was furious that his side conceded almost identical goals in six minutes during a first half where Alex made most of the running.

Artell feels the next six games could be pivotal in determining whether Alex can trouble the play-off places come the end of the season.

“We have to embrace the challenge,” he said.

“If we win six or lose six it still wouldn’t mathematically decide our future but the play-off positions are what we should be aiming for.”

Shrewsbury Town bounced back from that one nil home defeat against Crewe to win by the same scoreline at struggling Swindon Town.

The inform Harry Chapman carried on his goalscoring exploits from the recent win at home to Peterborough United by scoring the winner with a fantastic volley that flew in via an upright.

Assistant manager, Aaron Wilbraham, once again took charge of the side with Steve Cotterill still recovering from coronavirus.

But he paid tribute to Cotterill who is still very much involved in team affairs and planning training as he continues his recovery from illness.

Wilbraham said: “The gaffer gave us things to work on and we nailed a lot of that down in training.

“Norburn and Vela ran the midfield and they were all over the pitch for the boys.”

Town host two former Premier League sides in fallen giants, Sunderland on Tuesday and Ipswich on Saturday but only two wins at home this season is bound to be a cause for concern for Salop’s management and coaching staff.

Meanwhile, non-league Wrexham conceded two goals in the last 14 minutes to let slip a two goal lead against Dagenham and Redbridge at the Racecourse Ground.

It is now just one win in their last six National League matches which has increased the pressure on under fire manager Dean Keates.