Crawley prove too strong for Buckingham

Crawley Green recorded their second win of the new campaign when they ran out 2-1 winners against Buckingham Athletic on Wednesday night.

The visitors should have taken the lead after nine minutes through Matt Cruse, as he was denied by keeper Scott Bates.

Crawley’s stopper then made two good punched clearances before Crawley took the lead after 19 minutes.

JJ Billy broke clear and was brought down by visiting keeper Lewis Dench who was booked, and then saw Stuart Strange drive home the resulting penalty.

Athletic rallied well as Simon King was a constant threat to the home side, forcing Bates into a good save, while Green responded with a shot from Henry Mungwira which was blocked by Dench.

Aaron Browne had a free kick cleared for Crawley before King had two more efforts saved by Bates.

In the second half, Cruse had an effort saved by Bates and Sam Peverall replied for Crawley with a free kick that was tipped over.

As the game wore on Buckingham were largely reduced to long range efforts from the Simon King.

With seven minutes left, Crawley doubled their lead as Jack Downes and Henry Mungwira linked up well for Mungwira to drive the ball firmly past Dench.

Neil King pulled one back for Buckingham, but Green had done enough to hold on.

Crawley Green travel to Raunds Town in the FA Cup this afternoon.