Crewe first-team coach Steve Holland admitted the best team won after his side fell to a 2-1 defeat against League One leaders Swansea.Thomas Butler's early strike set the Swans on their way with an early opener and Paul Anderson's stunning solo effort sealed the points as they edged closer to the Championship. Tom Pope grabbed an injury-time consolation as Crewe continued their battle to avoid relegation.

Holland said: "Swansea were excellent and are not top of the table for nothing. They are an excellent side. We did well to stay in touch for so long as they stretched us all over the park from start to finish.

"It's disappointing to lose but not many teams will come here and take anything away with them. We battled hard but their extra bit of quality shone through.

"I've told my players to keep their heads up as we will have plenty more tough games ahead of us.

"I was pleased we never gave in and our heads never dropped. We could have even nicked a draw at the end, even though it would have been very harsh on Swansea."

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