Boss backs penalty taker to hit the back of the net next time

Chris Porter missed a rare penalty as Crewe Alexandra were beaten 2-0 by Sheffield Wednesday at the weekend, but David Artell still backs the recently turned 38-year-old to be right on the spot if he is needed again.

Porter does not miss many penalties on this occasion, the Owls goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell stood upright to save his shot with his legs and was then up in time to push away his follow up header on the rebound.

The incident happened in first half stoppage time with the Alex trailing 1-0 thanks to Barry Bannan’s solo effort and then just minute 20 seconds in the second half we found ourselves 2-0 behind when Gregory headed home Hunt’s cross from the left.

Artell told us: “I didn’t think it was a penalty. I would have been fuming if that had gone against us. I don’t think they should be given as pens when someone is three yards away and the ball is blasted at him and he puts his hands up to protect his face. It is a ridiculous rule for me.

“So maybe in that sense it was justice served a bit because it was harsh against them. Ports having it saved? It is what it is and I’m sure he would put the next one in because he certainly doesn’t miss many does he?

“It was just those decisive moments in the game that proved the difference. We could have gone in at 1-1 and within a minute or so of the restart we are 2-0 down. We started both halves poorly and slowly and that is not good.”