Green's title hopes dented by Harpenden defeat

Crawley Green’s title hopes took a huge dent as they paid the price for missed chances, beaten 2-0 at home by Harpenden Town at the weekend.

With leaders Edgware beating New Bradwell St Peter, Crawley are now 11 points adrift, albeit with two games in hand.

In the first half, Mark Bunker fired off target while Sam Peverall’s free kick was saved by Charlie May.

Nathan Osborne’s cross was diverted wide by Bunker, while Billy’s header was cleared by Tom Warren.

Green keeper Dean Bull had to save from Harry Hunt’s free kick, while Henry Mungwira’s attempt was turMomned away for a corner.

Moments before half time, Billy wasted the hosts’ best chance, sent clean through only to slice wide.

After the break, Town improved with Tony Golder heading straight at Bull, who then also denied Charlie Gould.

Visiting keeper May then made three outstanding stops, tipping Aaron Browne’s free kick on to the post, superbly blocking from Stuart Strange and then using his legs to repel Billy’s piledriver.

Harpenden punished Crawley on 63 minutes as Jimmy Hill crossed for Hunt to scramble home at the far post.

Liam Toomey had a rasping shot save by May before Harpenden doubled their lead with 15 minutes to go as Hill collected May’s long ball upfield and drove his shot past Bull to make it 2-0.

Crawley are at home to Woodford Town tonight.