It’s a baker’s dozen as Crawley win once more

Crawley Green notched their 13th successive SSML Division One League win of the season with a hard fought 4-0 victory against Southall on Saturday.

A brace apiece from JJ Billy and Charlie Clayton secured the points, although Green dropped to second in the table on goal difference, after Edgware Town’s 9-2 win over Brimsdown, although Green do have a game in hand.

On a rain soaked pitch it was lively opening with both sides creating chances.

After five minutes Sam Peverall had a long range effort tipped over by Bernado Lopes.

The visitors replied with an effort from Edison Teberen which was well saved by Dean Bull.

After 11 minutes Bull was in action again when he kept out a free kick from Jayraj Jesada.

Back came Crawley with an effort from Stuart Strange followed by a corner from which Tom Barnett shot wide.

The deadlock was broken on 22 minutes though as Clayton and Strange combined well down the left and the latter’s cross was turned in by JJ Billy to make it 1-0.

Southall put Crawley under pressure but were unable to get back on level terms and it finished 1-0 at the break.

In the second half both sides again created chances. Strange shot over after being set up by Clayton.

Southall’s Jack Ward then had a free kick blocked by Mark Smith, before Crawley doubled their advantage on 56 minutes.

Peverall whipped in a near post corner from the left which was headed in by Billy to make it 2-0.

Smith blocked another Southall effort before Crawley had the points sewn up with a third goal on 65 minutes.

A free kick from Liam McGovern was helped on the Billy and Clayton anticipated the cross to fire the ball into the roof of the net.

Southall responded with an effort from Jack Ward which cannoned off the bar and was collected by Bull.

As Southall tired at the back, McGovern and George Shrieves combined well to set up Clayton who made it 4-0 in the 88th minutey.

This weekend, Crawley are on the road as they travel to Chesham United Reserves in the league,

Their hosts sitting third in the table, but already 13 points adrift.