Crawley Green edge past Stony Stratford

Goals from Robbie O’Dell and Chris Gibson gave Crawley Green a 2-0 win in a physical encounter against Stony Stratford Town on Saturday.

Stony had the better of the opening with Mike Mundy and Shaun Carr causing problems for the Crawley defence, although the teams went in goalless at the break.

With the wind and rain at their backs Crawley took the lead two minutes after the restart.

A crossfield ball from Stuart Strange was missed by Nick Crosby and O’Dell neatly lobbed the advancing James Howarth in the Stony goal.

Howarth saved from Adam Reid after being set up by O’Dell and Chris Gibson on 58 minutes, before Stony pressed the self-destruct button when Mundy was sent off with 12 minutes left.

Taking exception to an innocuous challenge, Mundy and moved to headbutt Rob Newman. After receiving the red card, he then threw his captain’s arm band in the direction of the referee and kicked the match ball into the stands.

Crawley took immediate advantage of their numerical advantage as Peter O’Donnell found Gibson who rounded Howarth and made it 2-0.

Stony’s manager was then dismissed from the technical area after having words with the assistant referee as the Maroons ran out 2-0 winners.

This Saturday Crawley go to Welwyn Garden City and visit Kings Langley on Tuesday.