Swindon Town 0-0 Crewe Alex 24/25 Review - Foggy

It's been a long time since I've seen something like that. A game delayed for a full hour due to fog. Thankfully though the game did go ahead and after a first half which was barely watchable due to horrendous conditions, things did clear up and improve to the point where something resembling a game of football was able to take place. And what resulted was the Alex picking up a 0-0 draw which could have been better, but could have been worse. Here's my review of the game:

Patchy

Regardless of the conditions, this was a pretty mediocre display from the Alex. Yes, they were playing a Swindon who were feeling better about things after 3 straight home wins, but nobody really covered themselves in glory. The strikers lacked quality, the midfield struggled for control and the defence just about kept Swindon at bay at times. It was a missed opportunity of sorts, especially given the chances they had towards the end of the game.

Injuries

The biggest concern was the 2 early withdrawals. Maybe that's why Lee Bell looked so unhappy during the game, as Matus Holicek limped off 20 minutes after the game restarted and his replacement, Joel Tabiner, got to half time before he was subbed, presumably for his own injury.

Fingers crossed neither are serious, as with James Connolly going down last week, they can ill afford to test their depth in different positions.

Chances

Speaking of the strikers, they have got to be collectively better. I'll allow Lankester an off day, Bogle too to some extent. But he has to make that square ball to Jack in the first half. The crosses into the penalty area in the 2nd half have to find feet. Long has to score that late 1-on-1. They created just 6 shots and put 1 on target, managing just 0.90 xG in the process. That against a defence that has let in the 4th most goals at home in the league this season.

There is a still a worry about the creativity of this group, especially in the wing back and midfield areas where the service remains inconsistent. There are plenty of things for Lee Bell to work on in an attacking sense as they look ahead to Morecambe.

Ticked Off

Still, I come away from this feeling more positive than negative, which I know sounds hilarious coming from me. It was their 10th clean sheet of the season, at a ground where they rarely manage those. It was a point banked. And most importantly, it was another game ticked off. Why is that important?

Because later in the season, all the games that have been called off over the last 2 weeks for cup commitments or snow/ice will have to be made up by all the teams around them. On cold Tuesday nights, all whilst the Alex are sat at home resting. They are 1 game behind the number they should have played. 4 of the current top 7 have 2 or 3 to make up. Getting this game played and getting a result was important.

Referee Assessment

I can see why Swindon fans might feel he favoured the Alex. The late shout for a penalty felt soft and he didn't seem to handle the typical argy bargy stuff very well. Still, he had little to do overall.

Management Assessment

I didn't agree with not starting Billington. At all. It sends the wrong message. But aside from that, there was little else I can really say they got wrong, as the subs were mostly enforced.

Player Assessments

Filip Marschall MOTM

He made some solid stops and caught several crosses in tough conditions, which makes him the standout performer in an average group.

Jamie Knight-Lebel

Struggled in the air, winning just 4 of his 15 duels. Still, I think he did an ok job all things considered.

Mickey Demetriou

Looked refreshed after a week off, was back to his commanding best.

Zac Williams

A quiet and unnoticable game from him. As I've said for a while, him being solid defensively is fine, but I want to see more going forward.

Ryan Cooney

Same for Cooney, who once again was solid at the back, but struggled to get forward. Am I crazy to think they could do with upgrading on him in the transfer window? That run of goals/assists back in October feels a long time ago now.

Matus Holicek

A real shame that 24 hours after signing his new deal, he limped off 20 minutes into the game. Fingers crossed it isn't anything serious.

Max Sanders

Was solid in midfield and completed the most passes. Kept things ticking along, but needed more support around him.

Jack Powell

A disappointing afternoon where he was fairly anonymous and was subbed off after an hour.

Max Conway

A reasonable performance, but yet again I feel frustration at his inconsistent end product. The most productive left full/wing backs in the league have between 5-8 assists. Conway has 1. We need to see more.

Jack Lankester

A subpar showing. He won't produce every week and will have some off days. This was one of them.

Omar Bogle

Good defensively, but he struggled going forward, with his hold up play and he couldn't generate much in terms of clear chances. He needs more service.

Subs

Joel Tabiner

Came on for 20 minutes apparently. I couldn't tell you much of anything that he did before he went back off at HT. Again, hopefully his issue isn't serious.

Shilow Tracey

Was lively when he came on as he caused Swindon's back line some problems. But again, the lack of end product continues to be the main takeaway for me.

Owen Lunt

Lively once again when he came on. If Holicek and Tabiner can't make the Morecambe game, this could be his chance to shine.

Chris Long

Long's nemesis, 1-on-1s, came back to haunt him as he missed another great chance to score. It's great that he gets into those positions, but a huge issue that he can't score them.

Overall Verdict

Was this an opportunity missed to snatch a win? Yes. But was it more a point and clean sheet banked from a horrible game in horrible conditions and unique circumstances? Also yes. They need away wins and to keep drawing this games is an issue. However, I'll take the result and hope for a better game next week at Morecambe.