MATCH REPORT: Swindon Town 1-2 Crewe Alexandra

SWINDON TOWN produced a damning and disappointing performance as Crewe Alexandra sealed a 2-1 victory at the County Ground. Total Sport Swindon’s Ryan Walker gives his match report.

Two first-half goals from Chris Porter proved the difference as Swindon were well beaten at the County Ground with Michael Doughty’s penalty conversion serving as little more than a consolation.

Basking in the bank holiday sunlight, many of Swindon Town’s players took the pitch knowing that their futures were on the line as Richie Wellens eyes changes in the summer transfer window. Unfortunately few of them made any credible argument to remain at the club.

Three changes made by Richie Wellens had Swindon set up in an unorthodox 4-3-2-1 formation with Dion Conroy operating as a defensive midfielder.

 But with so much emphasis being put on attacking, Swindon seemed to forget how to defend as Chris Porter put the visitors one-nil up inside two minutes. 

Winning the ball in midfield, Tommy Lowery skipped through Town’s defence before cutting the ball back to the awaiting Porter who tapped in for his tenth goal of the season. 

A shambles at the back for the opening goal should’ve prompted a response from Swindon but the away side continued to dominate as further chances were created with Callum Ainley causing problems on the right-wing. 

Judging to have seen enough already, Wellens prompted positional changes in the 12th minute as Kyle Knoyle was sent to left-back with Ali Koiki being pushed further up-field. 

Swindon started to make chances as they attempted to get back into the match but a lack of overall quality rarely threatened the Crewe defence.

Theo Robinson earnt Swindon their first shot on goal in the 19th minute but his effort was straight at keeper Will Jaaskelainen as Swindon looked short of ideas and low on confidence. 

The introduction ok Kaiyne Woolery with ten minutes left of the half prompted a change in tactics as Swindon found space on the wings whipping balls into the box but a poor end product left Wellens cutting a frustrated figure on the sidelines. 

Swindon pushed players forward seeking to grab a goal before the interval. However, Town’s desire to get forward left them outnumbered at the back as Crewe doubled their advantage on the stroke of half time. 

In identical circumstances to the opening goal, Lowery sped through Swindon’s defence before playing the ball into Porter who tapped in from close range. 

The half-time whistle blew minutes later as Swindon Town headed down the tunnel outclassed in every area. 

After a shambolic opening 45 minutes from the hosts, Swindon started on the front foot with Robinson firing a shot on goal in the immediacy of play resuming. 

Swindon grew in confidence as they started to dominate in large periods of the half with Bennett, Doughty, and Woolery all active in trying to get their side back into the match.  

Good fortune favoured Swindon after Crewe had a goal disallowed for offside in the 52nd after breaking in a 2-on-1 situation and as the game progressed The Railwaymen looked nervous in possession despite having a two-goal cushion. 

Ben House replaced Keshi Anderson in the 59th minute to make a rare appearance for the club and just moments later had won a penalty after being brought down in the box by Ryan Wintle who was subsequently shown a yellow card. 

Michael Doughty sent Jaaskelainen the wrong way to score his 13th goal of the season and give Swindon a lifeline. Having pulled a goal back Swindon remained on the front foot as they searched to find an opener. 

However, complacency at the back saw Dion Conroy dispossessed by Porter who sprint into Town’s area before collapsing under the pressure of Conroy. Penalty shouts were waved away by referee Lee Collins and chaos ensued. 

Porter was shown a yellow card for simulation and Crewe manager David Artell was shown red for dissent.

After a frantic start to the second half, play slowed down with both sets of players looking short of creativity as energy levels dropped. 

Three back-to-back corners in the games closing moments presented Swindon with their best opportunity to find an equaliser but staunch defending from Crewe eliminated any danger. 

Crewe held on to secure victory at the County Ground as Swindon ere punished for a calamitous first-half performance.