Fine second half showing sees Crawley crush Kentish Town

All the goals came in the second half as Crawley Green claimed a fine 3-1 win over Kentish Town in Molten Spartan SML Division One on Saturday.

Two goals in a minute from Adam Reid (50) and Stuart Strange (51) put the Maroons in charge and, although Jamie Fox (58) hit back soon after Sean Downey made sure with a third 10 minutes from time.

Crawley bounced back from their midweek county cup final defeat with a comfortable victory.

The first half was a scrappy affair played on a bone-hard pitch with chances few and far between.

Chris Harvey had a long shot easily saved by Jamie Pronten in the Kentish goal, while Downey headed wide from a Reid free kick on 17 minutes and a minute later Strange headed wide from a Peter O’Donnell cross.

Town created the best chance of the half on 26 minutes when Jordan McFazlane burst past John Butler, but shot over the bar as he was closed down by Dean Bull in the Crawley goal.

Shortly after Srdan Jovanovic fired over for the visitors and it finished goalless at the break.

In the second half Crawley raised their game with Mark Smith and Reid both going close in the opening minutes.

Crawley’s bright opening was rewarded when they took the lead five minutes in when Lui Sarrington and Strange combined to set up Reid to fire home right-footed.

A minute later Crawley doubled their lead when Reid turned provider and put Strange clear to calmly put the ball past Pronten.

Town reduced the arrears on 58 minutes when a long ball into the box was headed home by Fox.

Five minutes later O’Donnell set up Sarrington who raced clear, but his shot was well saved by Pronten, with Sarrington putting the rebound over the bar.

O’Donnell then missed a header from a Strange cross and Sarrington shot over again after being set up by Strange, before Crawley finally put the game to bed with 10 minutes to go when Downey firmly headed home O’Donnell’s far-post corner.

Wednesday sees Crawley Green host Hertford Town in the second round of the Challenge Trophy, on Saturday go to Kings Langley in the league and the following Wednesday host Arlesey Town Res.

Attendance: 21.