Artell signed for the Alex this summer from League Two rivals Morecambe

Crewe Alexandra defender David Artell is hoping that Saturday's 2-0 win at Southend could prove to be a defining moment in their season.

Artell believes that ending a run of five straight draws could now give them the impetus to push on up League Two.

"It could be a turning point," Artell, 29, told BBC Radio Stoke. "We're now 11 games unbeaten. There aren't too many teams who can say that.

"We've been knocking on the door without ever going through it."

Artell admits that, after so many draws, defeat would have halted any momentum Crewe had built, but he now believes the Alex can look forward with renewed confidence under the ageless Dario Gradi.

"Hopefully now we can start getting a feel for winning rather than drawing or staying unbeaten," he added. "It's the next step on our way to becoming a good side.

"I think the club as a whole probably bottomed out last season but we're climbing back now."

Crewe manager Gradi echoed Artell's sentiments, admitting: "After all those draws, if you lose, you're slipping further down the table.

"But, with a win, we're moving up the table and can be confident we're over that blip."

Having risen to 10th in League Two, two points shy of the play-off zone, Crewe meet seventh-placed Aldershot at Gresty Road on Saturday.

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