Green lose out to Welwyn in final

Crawley Green were punished for missed chances as they were beaten 2-0 by Welwyn Garden City on Tuesday night.

Standing 26 points above Crawley in the league and having beaten the Maroons twice already, City were clear favourites but they were pushed all the way.

In fact it was Green who had the better of the first half and should have gone in at the break with their noses in front.

After a cagey opening, Crawley’s Mark Smith had a header from Kris Stephens’ free kick saved by Joe Croft, with the keeper also denying Sean Bishop.

City replied with an effort from Joel Norris when he robbed Dean Bull of the ball but he fired into the side netting.

Sam Halfpenny who was a constant threat to the City defence and had a shot blocked by Yasin Boodhoo, while Sam Peverall’s free kick was cleared.

Crawley came closest to opening the scoring after 40 minutes though when Croft spilled the ball in a challenge and Liam Toomey set up Halfpenny but his cross shot went agonisingly wide.

On the stroke of half time, Halfpenny again broke clear of the City defence and despite having his shirt pulled he fired in a shot which was brilliantly turned aside by Croft.

Green were made to pay in added time as Sean Brettell curled a wonderful shot into the top corner.

In the second half, City came out looking to kill the game off as and Joel Norris had an early effort saved by Bull.

Crawley tried to fight back with Mark Smith and Liam Toomey both seeing efforts blocked from Jack Downes corner’s.

With five minutes left, Green should have equalised, as Strange found Peverall only for him to shoot wide when it seemed easier to score.

Welywn the broke away to add a second as Norris confidently planted the ball past Bull to ensure victory.