Two late goals from Crewe Alexandra deprived Swansea City from going 12 points clear of leauge one.
Roberto Martinez’s side secured the early advantage as Dan Woodards gave away a Penalty after fouling Andy Robinson in the box. Jason Scotland fresh from international Duty with Trinidad and Tobago put the resulting spot kick past Ben Williams in the Alexandra goal.
Just 5 minutes of the first half remaining Crewe were 2-0 behind after Defender Gary Roberts made a hash of a clearance only to see it directed into his own goal. Calls echoed around the Alexandra Stadium from Crewe fans incensed with their teams performance. The heckles clearly gave Crewe boss Steven Holland food for thought as his side came out fighting in the second half.
The Railwaymen started to grow in confidence with a few shots on Dorus De Vries’s goal. Their patience was to be rewarded with 8 minutes remaining when Julien Baudet latched onto substitute Eugene Bopp’s corner to give the Cheshire side hope of a comeback.On 89 minutes Holland’s side got on level terms after Tom Pope fired in the equaliser.
Dario Gradi was left with nothing but praise for his side’s battling second half performance.
The Italian also marked defender Julien Baudet for high praise and insisted that the game was always going to be a difficult test for the relegation threatened side.
Gradi Told Crewe’s official site:
| ‘It was hard work and they flew at them right from the start. The attitude was excellent, Swansea are a good team and good players so it was always going to be difficult and it was. They did have more quality about their play than we did – but it was disappointing to concede the goal after a short period. It was a stupid challenge and Steve is still on about it he’s livid.’ In the end you have to say it was their spirit that got them the point, our goalkeeper didn’t have a lot of saves to make, they hadn’t scored a goal from a shot. |
Attentions now will turn to play off candidates Walsall on Tuesday evening.
