Swindon Town were again unable to offer a significant attacking threat as they drew 0-0 away against Crewe Alexandra.

There were big chances for Ollie Clarke, Paul Glatzel, and Will Wright during the game but neither side looked especially convincing.

So, how did the players fare as individuals at the Mornflake Stadium?

(Image: Newsquest)

GK: Jack Bycroft – 5

Bycroft was not forced into a save in the game as despite looking dangerous from set pieces, Crewe never mustered a shot on target. His kicking was fine, but Mark Kennedy is right that he needs to mix up where it goes more often.

RCB: Will Wright – 5

Wright played reasonably well here in spite of one or two moments of suspect defending, especially from a drive down the right by Lewis Billington in the second half. His stepping forward to put a cross in one was one of the best attacking moments but it was one of very few.

CB: Grant Hall – 7

Last week was a very difficult one for Hall and he responded very well in this game. Crewe didn’t even consider attacking in a way that wasn’t just getting the ball in the mixer and Hall stood up to it well. He demonstrated his leadership and didn’t give Kane Hemmings a sniff.

LCB: Miguel Freckleton – 5

He was also solid at the back, his pace in recovery was once again good to cover the moments when Hall is forced to run. He remains too quick to play the ball long but he seemed to be settling down a bit after some nervous-looking performances.

RWB: Jeff King – 6

King was probably Town’s best player in the first half as he is the most willing to try and make something happen out of nothing, with a shot or a cross. He slowed down after the break as everything about Swindon’s display did the same.

CM: Ollie Clarke – 4

This wasn’t a bad performance by Clarke but he has struggled to show the same authority he had in pre-season. He was badly outmuscled by Billington at one point and how he didn’t score in the first half I will never know.

CDM: Joel Cotterill – 4

When Swindon try and slow the game down and keep the ball, you can see the logic in Cotterill. During the latter part of the first half, as Swindon had a stranglehold on the game, he kept the ball moving quickly and played well but when the game is scrappy he goes missing.

CM: Jake Cain – 5

I thought that Cain did ok. After 18 months of failing to be a consistent contributor, you know what to expect but there were flashes of his skill like one lovely raking ball to Harry Smith. The best thing about Cain is that he understands Glatzel so well that he helps him play better.

LWB: Rosaire Longelo – 4

The bravery and attitude about Longelo that I liked so much in pre-season seems to have vanished. There was only really one moment when he beat his man and put a ball in like he is capable of. It is very frustrating.

ST: Paul Glatzel – 6

His first-half performance was excellent, he was dropping deep and linking play well, pressing effectively, and getting into good areas. If he puts his chance away then it would have felt like he was back. But much like everyone else he faded after the break before being replaced.

Harry Smith – 5

If his goal had been given then this would probably be the perfect Smith performance but without it, his display was just par. He battled well, made a few nice runs, but if he is getting no service then what can you expect?

Subs:

Aaron Drinan – 4

It is unfair to the substitutes but when a performance goes flat you are hoping that they can provide some energy and Drinan was unable to do that.

Nnamdi Ofoborh – 5

Ofoborh is not necessarily the player you want to bring on to turn around a blunt attacking display. He did get stuck in and had a shot after getting into a good area but again was not able to turn the tide.

Tunmise Sobowale – 6

I think that Sobowale is well-suited to being an impact player as he provides an energy lift and will just run at anyone in a 30-mile radius of the ground. I would like to see him get a start next week just to see if he can provide that life from the first whistle.

Dylan Mitchell – N/A