Strange old victory for Crawley Green

An early second half goal from man of the match Stuart Strange helped Crawley Green come from a goal down to win 2-1 at Risborough Rangers in Molten Spartan SML Division One on Saturday.

Injury-hit Crawley were forced to draft Strange into a makeshift forward role as he had a shot blocked by Steve Clark in the Rangers goal in the first minute.

Lui Sarrington shot over from a Craig Savage’s long throw on six minutes and shortly over Nicky Nolan fired over.

However, Rangers took the lead against the run of play after 11 minutes as Lewis Nolan found the unmarked James Shrimpton to easily score.

Sarrington set up Strange, but his cross-shot was well saved by Clark, before Rangers nearly doubled their lead on 37 minutes, but Dean Bull saved well from Lawrence Clark.

Crawley came out fired up in the second half and were quickly back on level terms, Strange neatly lobbing Clark two minutes in after he’d been set up by Liam Toomey.

Rangers’ Dom Pavalopolous then headed wide from Dave Newton’s cross, while Lewis Dean’s overhead kick narrowly missed the target.

Crawley’s Jamie Warne then had two crosses scrambled cleared before the Maroons took the lead after 73 minutes when Strange set up Toomey, who beat two defenders before planting the ball past Clark.

In the closing stages Crawley defended well and almost doubled their lead when Daniel Mead fired over after being set up by Strange.

Rangers were unable to force an equaliser in added time as Crawley ran out worthy winners.

The Maroons go to Risborough Rangers in the second round of the Division One Cup on Tuesday night and host Hertford Town in the second round of the Challenge Trophy on Wednesday week.

Attendance: 72.