Sutton Valence - Home - 28th March 2009
Crawley 2 - Sutton Valence 2
STEVE Innes was the hero for Crawley as he scored the goal that completed a marvellous comeback and secured promotion in the final game of the season.
Crawley only needed a point to be promoted and victory would have given them the championship, but the draw means that if Sutton Valence win their last game this weekend they will leap over Crawley and take the title.
It could have been different as the home side created chances to score in the first 10 minutes but could not find that final bit of quality despite dominating the play.
The visitors found their feet and passed the ball very well with pace working Crawley's defence hard, and with 15 minutes of the first half remaining Valence won a penalty corner which they smashed past keeper Gary Thornton, who had an excellent season only letting in 24 goals in 22 games.
Crawley fought back but their spirits were dampened when the visitors got another goal near the end of the half.
Crawley had a big test in front of them to achieve a promotion place. The second half mirrored the first with both teams playing fast paced hockey creating good moves in-field and in front of goal.
Crawley's heads were lifted when Kieran Fuller scored when he skilfully lobbed the keeper on his reverse side leaving them only a goal from promotion.
And with 10 minutes left striker Innes scored the vital equaliser tapping in past the keeper.
Sutton Valence responded but Crawley's defence stood strong as they have all season and although they spent the final 10 minutes in their own half the hosts held on.
Crawley spent the evening at their end of season awards ceremony where Reece Banton was given the Young Player of the Year award, Kieran Fuller the Player of the Year with 27 goals from midfield and Rob Gate the Clubman of the Year.
Crawley: Thornton, Hemmings, A Warner, Carter, Fuller, Gate, J Innes, Watkins, Stewart, Donaldson, Westwood, Evans, S Innes, C Warner.
