Crewe’s performance at Scunthorpe leaves boss David Artell with mixed emotions

Posted Sunday, January 26, 2020 by PA

Crewe boss David Artell was left with mixed emotions as his side had to settle for a point in a thrilling encounter at Scunthorpe.

He was delighted with his side’s character as they came from behind to lead at the Sands Venue Stadium, although disappointed with the time they took to get going in a game of two contrasting halves.

“We weren’t at the races in the first half-hour,” he said.

“Scunthorpe played a formation that caught us on the hop a bit but then we changed it and I don’t think there was much between the sides after that.

“We probably edged the second half and could have won it but having said that we could have lost it as well.

“Forget formations and systems, the first goal we conceded was a free header from a corner. That can’t happen.

“The response was pleasing and the goals we scored were good goals but it shouldn’t take a half-time team-talk or going a goal behind to get that sort of reaction.

“That’s two games on the trot where the second half has been better than the first and that’s got to stop.

“Today you have to give credit to Scunthorpe, but we can’t take so long to get going or concede a crap goal.

“It gives us food for thought, but we’re another point closer towards where we want to be. We’ve just got to keep chipping away and see where we get to.”

Scunthorpe had already seen an effort cleared off the line when defender Jacob Bedeau headed them in front from a 15th-minute corner, and they could easily have been ahead by more than one goal at the break.

Daniel Powell fired the Railwaymen level within 60 seconds of the restart and a scruffy cross-shot from Oliver Finney, which ran all the way through a crowded penalty area, saw them hit the front.

Kevin Van Veen, though, curled in from 20 yards with 17 minutes remaining to earn the Iron a point that their boss Paul Hurst felt was a fair reflection of an entertaining clash.

He said: “I thought we were the better side in the first half and they started and finished the second half better, although we were on top in the middle.

“I don’t think either side can have too many arguments about only taking a point.

“I’m frustrated with the goals we conceded. There are two sides of the game and you’ve got to put your body on the line.

“I don’t think we’re doing that well enough, which makes it harder when a lot of our general play deserves to win games.

“People moan about me talking about clean sheets, but they win you games.

“At the minute we’re not good enough at that and so we’re not taking advantage of some good performances.”