Inability to defend from set-plays was our undoing at Wham Stadium

David Artell could not disguise his frustration after his Crewe Alexandra side were beaten by four set-piece goals at the Wham Stadium. Crewe conceded two goals from corners and another two from free-kicks to slip to another away defeat.

Following the 4-1 defeat to Accrington Stanley, the Alex boss told the club’s official website: “We have conceded four goals from four set-plays. Two from corners and two from free-kicks. That’s the bottom line.

“It is about having that attitude not to let your man score. Accrington are a big team but that doesn’t mean you cannot defend well enough at those crosses coming in. We didn’t do that well enough.

“If you don’t defend well enough from set-pieces then you concede those type of goals and goals change games.

“We had the best chance in open play in the whole 90 minutes when Robbo (Scott Robertson) got in, in the first half. We were competitive in the game but were not competitive enough for those four goals and that is the most disappointing thing.

“We have to keep working hard and believe. We could play this team for the Under-23s in the week without breaking any rules, because we are a young side. We have to stick with them and continue to work hard with them.

The boss added: “The fans have paid their money and are entitled to their opinion. They can have a go at me and the players, because they have paid their money to come here and support their team. If they haven’t broken the law then I have not got a problem with their reaction.”