Tired Green no match for Cockfosters

Crawley’s third match in five days proved a game too far as they lost 4-0 to title hopefuls Cockfosters on Saturday.

In the opening minutes, Robbie O’Dell just failed to get on the end of the long throw from Craig Savage but Cockfosters then started to dominate as Fabio Valenti had two efforts saved by Dean Bull and Emond Protain had a header cleared by Matt Baldry.

After 22 minutes Cockfosters took the lead though as Valenti was put through and dummied Bull before planting the ball into the bottom right hand corner.

Shortly after Protain had a header cleared by Matt Baldry and Crawley replied with an effort from Chris Gibson that was wide. while Sean Downey’s header was saved.

Just before the break. Cockfosters broke quickly and doubled their lead as Protain converted from close range.

In the second half Crawley battled hard but the hosts always looked likely to increase their lead as Chris Harvey was caught out by a bad bounce allowing Valeni to smash home the third on 73 minutes.

Just before the end, Valenti had his hat-trick, after beating the offside trap to score.

Crawley travel to Kentish Town on Tuesday, while their reserves ran out 2-1 winners against Welwyn Garden City with goals from Lui Sarrington and Callum Frater.