Crawley Green’s quickfire treble sinks Broadfields

Crawley began brightly with Mark Bunker’s shot tipped onto the bar by Matt Faley, but United replied when George Rose turned Jordon Goode-Keeley’s drive round the post.

Chris Crook’s last-ditch tackle denied Dene Gardener, and Faley saved from Phil Draycott and Sam Holmes before the latter turned in Draycott’s cross after 24 minutes.

Just two minutes later it was 2-0 when Bunker set up Billy Lobjoit on the edge of the box to drive a shot past Faley.

Draycott had a shot cleared off the line before Crawley made it 3-0 on 36 minutes.

Shots from Holmes and Bunker were blocked, but the ball fell kindly for Holmes to smash in the second rebound.

United made three changes at half-time, but it was Crawley who came close to increasing their lead when Faley kept out Draycott’s shot.

Spencer O’Leary was booked for a needless foul and Broadfields’ Rhys Martin headed the free-kick over.

But Crawley sub Aidan Fennelly conceded a penalty for a push in the box soon after coming on and Ish Emui smashed the spot-kick past Rose with 18 minutes left.

Rose then saved from Gardener before Crawley restored their three-goal lead with nine minutes to go.

Fennelly redeemed himself with a fine pass to Holmes who pulled the ball back for Lobjoit to finish well.

The Maroons host high-flying Newport Pagnell on Tuesday, and on Saturday, North Greenford United visit The Brache.

* Crawley Green Reserves beat Wilstead 5-1 thanks to Dominic Horn and Temitayo Akerele doubles and a Reece Green strike. This week they host Biggleswade United U23.