Mark Kennedy happy to see Swindon tighten up defensively at Crewe

Posted Saturday, August 24, 2024 by PA

Mark Kennedy was happy to see an improved defensive display from Swindon as they claimed a point from a 0-0 draw with Crewe at the Mornflake Stadium.

The Robins were beaten 4-0 by Walsall last week – while Crewe themselves conceded five to Chesterfield – but the doors were firmly shut at the back for the lunchtime kick-off and clear chances were at a premium.

Kennedy, though, was convinced his side had done enough to win for the first time this term after seeing a Harry Smith goal chalked out for a push on a defender and Paul Glatzel being hacked down by Mickey Demetriou as the striker looked to be clear on goal.

“Crewe have not had a shot on target, our keeper didn’t have a save to make, but we could have scored a couple of goals,” said the Swindon boss. “I do feel we did enough to win the game, but then we didn’t pop Crewe off the park, so I am happy with the point.

“When you suffer a heavy defeat you have to move on and I was comfortable with that as we did our analysis after last weekend. We worked on it and the clean sheet is a big plus.

“Harry had what looked a really good goal disallowed, but the ref has said he nudged the defender, then Paul was denied a one-v-one.

“Now we’re looking to strengthen up front before the transfer window closes. We’re really close with one deal and I would like three players to come in.”

Demetriou was granted a reprieve by referee Alex Chilowicz just before the break with the centre half escaping with a yellow card.

Swindon posed a threat, particularly from corners, in the first half. Jeff King went close and Miguel Freckleton had a header deflected over.

As the game closed King brought a good save out of Crewe loan keeper Filip Marschall before home substitute Chris Long blasted wide with Crewe’s only clear-cut opportunity.

Alex boss Lee Bell was also pleased with the improvement and said: “That is what we needed to look like and the players showed what we want from them. I thought we looked the side with the most attacking threat particularly in the second half. It was a good response from the players and we have the bedrock there now to build on.

“The players stood up to what was thrown at them and the clean sheet was important.

“We’re off the mark in terms of points and we have got to use this as a stepping stone and move forward. Our recruitment chief is working hard and so we’re hopeful we’ll get another one in, maybe a Championship player before the window shuts.”