Accrington Stanley 0-0 Crewe Alex 23/24 Review - Sicknote

Look, Crewe Alex aren't alone in their struggles with injuries. All the way from Man Utd, Newcastle and Liverpool at the top of pile down to the small 4th tier clubs, injuries seem to be a growing concern in football. The amount of football being played feels like a key factor, but given all the advances in sports science, better pitches and equipment, why does this keep happening? Well, the why and how are a debate for another day. What is worth debating is the fact the Alex were missing 10 players injured today. And that was at least partially why they were unable to win what was a very presentable match. And so their struggles extend to 1 win from 8. Not good. Here is my take on the draw at Accrington:

Exhausted

Today, there was no lack of effort. They really put in a shift, but the pressure being put on certain individuals is starting to show. Adebisi, Nevitt and Demetriou are 3 who've seen their levels drop in recent weeks and that will be down to fatigue more than anything else.

A lot of other players today looked dead on their feet and they were unable to find any energy in the final 15-20 minutes to go and win it.

Take a draw

For a while now, there has been a real shift in attitude in how this team plays. Up until October, they played with freedom and an openness, which yes saw them concede lots, but they also scored lots too. However, since then, they've switched to a far more defensive approach and it shows in how many of their games have been slogs to watch.

Again, injuries play their part, but I also feel like it stems from the touchline. Too often in recent weeks, we've seen Bell and Dicker set their stall out for draws. We saw it against Wimbledon, Gillingham and then again today. I would much rather see them gamble and throw in Agius or Finney and lose it, then meekly settle for a draw.

If there is no pressure, then why not roll the dice? For Bell to say there is no pressure on the team and then set them up to take whatever they can get doesn't feel like they add up.

Quality

There is a lack of quality in this team. And yes, with any of their 10 injured players fit, maybe that would be less of an issue. But for me, there are still big question marks over some positions in this group. They are wafer thin at striker. Their wingers are all average. The right side of their defence is lacking. They need to be aggressive this summer in targeting upgrades on at least 4 different positions, because as the season has progressed, their weaknesses in certain spots has become glaring.

Giving it to you

The saddest thing about today, Accrington were nothing special. They barely looked bothered. They were putting in the minimal effort and showed virtually no quality. They were a side playing like they were on the beach. And yet the Alex couldn't take advantage. Will Morecambe, who'll know that they need to win or their season is over on Tuesday, be as generous? Will Grimsby or Colchester, who are fighting for their lives at at the bottom? Will Wrexham, with maybe the title/automatic promotion on the line? I doubt it. This was their easiest game in terms of playing mid-table opponents. And they failed to take it.

Durability

The biggest quality they need to be after in the summer is durability. I'm tired of seeing people make excuses for players, good, average or bad, who can only play 30 times a season. The best thing the Alex did in January 2023 and summer 2023 windows was sign durable players in Nevitt, Demetriou and Powell(Yes, his ACL injury was a freak occurrence).

They are carrying far too much dead weight that spends half it's time in the treatment room. A small squad can't afford that to happen. They need to jettison Colkett, Thomas(yes, him too), Long and CBR. It's harsh and replacing them with equivalent quality might be tricky, but I'd rather sign a slightly lesser player who can play 35+ times a season.

Slipping Away

Bell and Dicker need to realise that draws are simply not going to get the job done. The gap to 8th is unsurprisingly decreasing. If results go against them on Tuesday, they'll be 7th and only 2 points away from the sides chasing them with the likes of Walsall holding a game in hand advantage. It'll suddenly not be in their hands.

There is a lot of reasons why they've struggled in the last 6 weeks, but not all of it can be attributed to injuries I'm afraid. Bell and Dicker need to have a long look in the mirror and decide if they want this season to end in a whimper, with them scraping draws each week, or if they want to have a go, take some risks and go down swinging.

Ref Rating - 6

There were a few odd decisions, but overall I can't think of anything major he did wrong. No ref is going to get a high score, but he was fine.

Management Rating - 5

I'll praise them for getting the XI about as right as you can hope given the absences. But their fear of losing is overpowering their desire to win. Which is just the wrong attitude to have. If the team fall short of the top 7, they can make all the excuses they like. But they will have to take plenty of blame for these final few weeks, which have undone a lot of the good work they did in the first 7 months.

Making 1 change on 88 minutes in a game that was there for the taking was just silly. Too scared to lose, rather than showing some bravery and trying to win it.

Player Ratings

Tom Booth - 6

Looking more and more solid in his work. Didn't put a foot wrong, making solid kicks and claims. He didn't have a lot to do, but what he did do, he did well.

Lewis Billington - 6

I'm glad to see him starting at RB, but I am starting to question if he has the attacking chops to be a modern full back. His inability to get down the right and offer overlaps to the RW is causing issues. I don't think Cooney is any better at this, but it's something I think the club need to take a long look at.

Zac Williams - 6 MOTM

Didn't put a foot wrong at RCB, which was pleasing to see. He didn't have the most difficult of afternoons against a woeful Accrington attack, but he was still solid and composed in his work.

Mickey Demetriou - 5

Running on fumes. He took a few knocks, which seemed to hamper his game. But he badly needs some support at set pieces, as he's easily being singled out. Find another big, dominant in the air CB to partner him next season. And perhaps give him a few more games off to play Williams at LCB.

Rio Adebisi - 5

Final ball not there. He's had a great season, but the Alex need more from him as their best available creator.

Josh Austerfield - 6

A good bounce back game from the youngster after a couple of stinkers. He looked composed in his passing and decision making. It's just a shame he struggles with anything in terms creativity.

Lewis Leigh - 5

I like his tenacity, but like with Austerfield, he just doesn't look like he's going to create or score a goal, which is an issue. Not his fault, but an issue all the same.

Matus Holicek - 5

Tried his best, but so much of the play in his general was in the air, so there was little he could do. I feel like most of the time, he's on the ball too deep and never seems to pop up in and around the penalty area to create a chance or have a shot. Would like to see more from him, but he's still young and improving.

Aaron Rowe - 4

Dreadful. His passing and crossing were dire and he only stayed on due to a total lack of experienced options to replace him. But he's been terrible in 2024 and the decision not to try and upgrade on him in January was an underrated mistakes by the management.

Elliott Nevitt - 5

I've defended him plenty, but his constant running into offside positions today was massively frustrating. I get he's struggling up there for 90 minutes on his own having no service, but some of his all round play needs to be better.

Shilow Tracey - 4

Also poor. Not sure what else I can say that hasn't been said already. A very very average L2 winger who needs to be a bench option at best next season, not a main man.

Subs:

Ryan Cooney - N/A

I liked the switch to 3-5-2, it was just a shame it came on 88 minutes. What a waste of time, you may as well not make any changes.

Overall Verdict

Another wasted opportunity against an out of form side. We can only hope that a few players who missed out today will be back for the Morecambe game, namely Kirk and, dare I dream, Tabiner and CBR. They need a win, but playing like they did today and making management decisions like they did today won't be enough. So as I said, they need to decide. Either finish the season swinging, or finish the season with a whimper.