Crawley denied on their return to action by last-gasp Harpenden leveller

Playing their first game in over a month Crawley Green were denied all three points in Molten Spartan SML Division One on Tuesday night when Harpenden Town equalised in the 89th minute to secure a 1-1 draw.

In a lively opening, both sides created chances. The ball fell to Peter O’Donnell in front of goal in the first minute, but Matt Lord managed to make a point-blank save and tip the ball over the bar.

Harpenden then replied with efforts from Steve Geraldes and Ant Burns, which were both saved by Dean Bull in the Crawley goal.

Liam Toomey shot wide for the Maroons and Mark Hitchcock then had an effort well saved by Bull.

Lord again denied O’Donnell on 13 minutes, but the visitors did take the lead after half an hour when Chris Harvey put Toomey clear on the right and his cross was headed home by Richard Pringle at the far post.

Harps went close to an equaliser with a Harry Hunt header a minutes before the break as Crawley led 1-0 at the break.

The second half was a scrappy affair as the rain started to lash down.

Mark Hitchcock broke clear on 65 minutes, but his effort was well saved by Bull.

Crawley went close six minutes later when Stuart Strange set up John Butler but his shot went wide.

In the closing stages the Maroons started to get on top, but were unable to increase their lead.

In-form Lord kept out efforts from O’Donnell, Strange and Lui Sarrington.

With time running out a crossfield ball fell kindly to Stef Geraldes who shot first-time past Bull to make it 1-1 with just a minute to go.

Crawley pushed forward for an equaliser, but in the end had to settle for a point in game they should have won.

Attendance: 26.