Mitchel-King joined Crewe from Histon in the summer

Crewe defender Mat Mitchel-King has pinpointed the change to a three-man defence as the main factor in the team keeping three consecutive clean sheets.

The Alex have kept out Grimsby, Darlington and Hereford since changing from a 4-4-2 formation to help them on their way to joint-top of League Two.

Mitchel-King told BBC Radio Stoke: "The teams we've played against haven't really had a lot of clear-cut chances.

"As a three we feel comfortable there and feel that it's working for us."

The 25-year-old signed for Crewe from Blue Square Premier League side Histon during the summer.

He played in midfield in the opening-day defeat by Dagenham & Redbridge, but reverted back to his preferred defensive role as manager Gudjon Thordarson looked to tighten up his defence.

Mitchel-King added: "The midfield role is still relatively new to me, but I enjoy playing in both positions and feel that I can do a job in both."

Meanwhile Thordarsson has ended his interest in trialist Carl Martin from non-league side Wealdstone.

"I'm not taking it any further, there are reasons for that. I need more ready-made players to add to my squad," Thordarsson told BBC Radio Stoke.

Martin scored in the 3-2 friendly win over Chester City on Wednesday, but the goal was not enough for him to secure a permanent deal with the Alex.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version