Fine finishing sends Crawley Green through

Crawley Green progressed to the second round of the Beds Senior Trophy with three spectacular goals against a spirited Ampthill Town Reserves from the Beds County League on Saturday.

As early as the first minute Charlie Clayton tested Ampthill keeper Lewis Jarman with a shot from 20 yards, after good work by Jack Downes and JJ Billy.

Aaron Browne then had his effort saved by Jarman in the third minute as Crawley continued their bright start.

The visitors had a scoring opportunity soon afterwards though when Josh Ramsey just failed to latch on to a through ball from Joe O’Donnell.

With Crawley pressing down the left, Tom Barnett found Browne and his cross was headed just over by Billy.

In the 13th minute, Green were ahead as Billy found the net with a spectacular overhead kick from 12 yards, latching on to Clayton’s cross.

However, Ampthill were soon on level terms two minutes later, O’Donnell scoring from close range.

On 20 minutes, a free kick on the edge of the Crawley area was taken by Jack Mordeci, forcing home keeper Dean Bull to palm over the bar.

Crawley’s second arrived on 25 minutes though as Browne let fly with a curling left-footed drive that flew in.

Green continued to press with Barnett, Downes and Billy going close to making it 3-1 before half time.

After the break, Clayton’s clever lob beat keeper Jarman only for the ball to go just over the bar.

Crawley substitutes Drew Mitten and George Shrieves combined to create Mitten a shooting opportunity, his attempt went just wide.

The crucial third goal was netted on 78 minute as Shrieves’ through ball found Clayton who smashed the ball into the net from 25 yards.

Crawley will now travel to UCL Division One side Potton United in the second round of the competition, while near neighbours Kent Athletic are at AFC Oakley M&DH.

Crawley saw their lead at the top of the SSML Division One cut to three point after Edgware Town beat Winslow United.

This weekend, Green are without a game, as they travel to Hatfield Town on Tuesday night.