Crewe hold firm as two see red

Swindon lost ground on leaders Bristol City as they were held to a 0-0 draw at Crewe and had Jake Stephens sent off late on.

Mark Cooper's side, looking to pick up after a run of three defeats in their last four, were thwarted by plucky Crewe defending. Michael Smith finished off from close range in the 38th minute after Ben Gladwin's shot had been parried by Crewe goalkeeper Paul Rachubka, but the big forward was adjudged to have been offside. Smith and Andy Williams were a thorn in Crewe's side and the latter was eyeing-up a finish after Nathan Byrne had cut the ball back from the by-line, only for George Ray to throw himself in the way to make an important block. Steve Davis' side held firm and were not without a threat through the lively Nicky Ajose and Swindon goalkeeper Wes Foderingham grasped the ball at the second attempt at his near post when keeping out a well-struck effort from Greg Leigh. Leigh also posed a threat after the break and it needed a last-ditch clearance from Jordan Turnbull to keep out the wing-back's effort. Ajose should have done better when he had time to line himself up for a shot, but blasted over. Massimo Luongo's mazy run looked to have conjured something up for Swindon after they lost Louis Thompson to a shoulder injury. But the Australian midfielder lifted his shot well over after carving his way past defenders. Luongo's later effort was then beaten away by Rachubka before Swindon had Stephens sent off for picking up his second booking after kicking the ball away. Crewe also finished the game with 10 men after Alan Tate was booked for the second time for his foul on Yaser Kasim.