Crawley claim Buckingham draw as they end season on good run

Having secured fourth spot in Molten Spartan SML Division One during the week, Crawley Green finished off their season with a 1-1 home draw against Buckingham Athletic.

Despite Crawley having the better of the openings it was Buckingham who took the lead on nine minutes when Pat Hooper was left free on the edge of the box and he fired his shot into the bottom right hand corner.

Crawley replied a minute later with an effort from Nicky Nolan which was harshly ruled out for handball.

However, the Maroons were level on 14 minutes when Matt Baldry set up Peter O’Donnell and he evaded a tackle before smashing the ball past Andy Hammond.

Crawley proceeded to dominate with O’Donnell and Robbie O’Dell both going close, while Dean Bull tipped another Hooper effort over as the half finished 1-1.

In the second half, Jamie Warne and Glen Freeman went close for Crawley and O’Donnell had a free-kick tipped over by Hammond.

Warne then beat four players on 63 minutes to set up O’Dell, but his shot was well saved by Hammond.

Despite Crawley having most of the possession Buckingham’s skipper Ryan Wiffin almost won the game in the 88 minute, but his effort was well saved by Bull.

The result means manager Mark Smith’s side ended the season with a run of four wins and a draw.