Davis backs Shelley after miss

Davis: Unfazed at missed chances

Manager Steve Davis refused to blame Danny Shelley for Crewe's failure to take all three points against Northampton on Saturday.

Shelley had the chance to give Alex a 2-1 victory in the League Two clash at Gresty Road, but saw his injury-time penalty saved by Cobblers goalkeeper Neal Kitson.

"Danny was the best man for the job so I've got no regrets. The keeper has made a brilliant save and he was great for them all afternoon," said Davis, who saw his side hit the woodwork twice and miss a series of opportunities.

"Maybe we ran out of luck as we have had quite a lot lately, but we've earned our right to be in contention for the play-offs after going 10 games unbeaten.

"It was on a par with our best performances in terms of the tempo and the passing and our defending was very good in the first half, especially when dealing with their long throws.

"But I was disappointed with their goal. We weren't marking properly and Steve Phillips should have stayed on his line."