Despite the fact that Crewe have been struggling near the bottom of the Coca Cola Championship this season, David Vaughan has been one of the team's most consistent performers. He is tipped by many to be the next export from the Alex's famous academy of talent to move on to the big stage, following in the tracks of the likes of Rob Jones, Danny Murphy and Robbie Savage. Last Saturday, despite working harder than they have had to all season, the Crewe team lost the local derby to Stoke City, who proved to powerful for Dario`s team. After the 1-0 defeat Brian Beard spoke to David for givemefootball.
Q:I THINK THAT WAS WHAT YOU MIGHT CALL A 'POWER GAME', WASN'T IT?
A:Yes, it was, they are a big, strong team so we had to stand up to them but we did have a few chances to have got something out of the game, but it wasn't to be. You know what to expect when you come to Stoke so you have to stand up and be counted.
Q:IT MUST BE SOUL-DESTROYING IN A GAME LIKE THAT TO CREATE CHANCES BUT ARE UNABLE TO PUT THEM AWAY?
A:Exactly, and to be fair they had a few chances as well so the game could have gone either way but we are very disappointed not to have gained at least a point out of the game.
Q:THE CREWE TEAM HAD TO WORK VERY HARD ON THE DAY?
A:We did, it was a very tough game but fair play to Stoke, they played to their strengths and got their reward by winning. At the back, Billy Jones and Steven Foster both did well because their forwards are very strong and a real handful. They managed to handle them well for most of the game although Noel-Willams obviously lost his marker long enough to score the goal.
Q:AND A WORD ABOUT CLAYTON INCE, WHO HAS COME BACK INTO THE SIDE RECENTLY AND MADE SEVERAL EXCELLENT SAVES TO KEEP STOKE OUT?
A:Clayton has done well for us. He's come back into the side and taken his chance well. He's a good presence to have, especially at corners and when crosses are coming in, so I am pleased for him.
Q:THE GOAL CAME QUITE LATE BUT HEADS NEVER REALLY DROPPED AND YOU CONTINUED TO PUSH FORWARD?
A:That's sometimes difficult to do in games like that. It's sometimes easy to resort to the long ball but I thought we passed it well and created a couple of chances towards the end but to no avail.
Q:WERE THERE ANY PLUSSES FROM CREWE'S POINT OF VIEW?
A:Yes, we're starting to play better and create more chances and our defending is looking a bit stronger as well and we're not conceding as many goals so things seem to be getting better really. In a few games we have let ourselves down a bit by not working hard for the team but Dario's had a word with us and that's resulted in better performances.
