SWINDON Town manager John Sheridan stoutly defended his tactics during the 4-2 defeat to Crewe Alexandra on Tuesday night.

Sheridan set Town up in a 4-4-2 system in which defender Tom Broadbent started up front alongside natural striker, Tyler Smith.

The plan, which worked so well during the latter stages of Town’s comeback victory over Oxford United last weekend, gave Swindon an outlet going forward but left the Wiltshire side incredibly vulnerable at the back.

Two of Crewe’s midfield trio were pushing on towards Town’s back line when the third man had possession while the hosts’ full-backs went high and wide to create an overload.

While Swindon managed to hold on to their advantage before half-time, a few minor alterations from David Artell saw Crewe utterly dominate after the break.

When asked if the initial formation was something Sheridan was always going to stick with, or whether he considered changing tactics, the Town boss replied: “There was nothing wrong with the formation.

“The first half performance was very good. We should have gone in 2-0 up at half-time but we gave away a very, very soft goal. Then we should have seen the game out a lot, lot better in the second half.

“I could talk all day, but it’s about getting a bit of consistency. No way am I coming out here to put a downer on the players.

“I could be really hard on them given the manner of the goals, but I didn’t because they’ve worked their socks off since I’ve been here.”

Sheridan went on to argue that starting a centre-back up front was necessary due to the sheer number of injuries that exist within the squad at present.

The Town boss stated he would have ideally rested Tyler Smith and Diallang Jaiyesimi due to their recent return from injury but said he felt he was left with little option given the alternatives available to him.

Sheridan said: “I stuck with Tom Broadbent up front because I’ve got no one else.

“Tyler Smith played, but ideally I would have left him out if I had cover because he’s coming back from injury.

“We’re so short of numbers, and you could see that by the kids who were on the bench. I’ve got Dion Conroy on the bench too who hasn’t played for I don’t know how long.

“So many players are playing Saturday-Tuesday, and they shouldn’t really be involved. Broadbent, I’ve had to play up front again because we’ve got no other choice.”