Defender gives Burton danger Akins fairly quiet after switching position to left-back.

Crewe Alexandra boss Steve Davis praised the performance of Jon Guthrie away at Burton Albion after he switched over to the left-back position to fill-in for the injured Stephen Kingsley (foot).

With George Ray given the all-clear to play with his protective mask, Guthrie showed his versatility by moving to the left-hand side and the former Pewsey Vale defender excelled in the role up against one of Burton’s danger men Lucas Akins.

Crewe obtained a valuable away point with a deserved clean-sheet at the Pirelli Stadium and the Alex boss was quick to praise the contribution of Guthrie.

Steve told crewealex.net: “You always judge a player’s performance when they are tested and Jon was tested up against Akins. We knew Akins would be a threat down the right so I wanted a strong and bigger player in there and with George being available to play with the mask; it was an easy decision to put Jon there to deal with that threat.

“I thought he dealt with Akins well and he was substituted. I thought Jon typified the spirit and resilience of the team to keep a clean-sheet and get something.”