Crawley 1s 3-1 Horsham 2s

Crawley welcomed local rivals Horsham to hazlewick school at the weekend which was an important game for both teams with local bragging rights and league positions to battle for.

Crawley started the stronger taking the game to Horsham and creating a number of chances. Crawley found a way past a stubborn Horsham defence when a nice move between James Ortyl, Brendan McCoalite and Dan Evans ended with a reverse stick pass from Evans found Steve Innes in the area free with his back to the keeper Innes took one touch round the keeper and fired home to make it 1-0. Crawley continued to pressure and when Jonny Reigate found some space in the middle of the park he drove forward with the ball and laid a pass to Reece Banton for him to take the ball into the area and send a flick shot towards goal which Steve Innes was able to deflect past the keeper to make it 2-0.

Half Time 2-0 Crawley.

After the break Horsham realised they had to step their efforts up, which they did, but stand in goal keeper Kieran Fuller along with a solid defence consisting of Mark Brightwell, Michael Campbell, James Ortyl, James Innes and Rob Haimes gave Horsham little chance of a goal and control the game well for Crawley giving them a platform to creat more chances on the break against a slower Horsham back line. Crawley did increase their advantage when a solid tackle from Mark Brightwell enabled him to take the ball forward a play a pass to Brendan McCoalite who made full use of the space ahead and then found Seb Watson who fired a ball across the area expertly to find Danny Evans to slot home from close range. A moment of madness lead to Crawley giving the ball away in their own defensive area and giving Horsham a consolation that was fortunate but deserved for their efforts. Crawley could have increased their lead further but saw the game out and took all 3 points in the local derby.

Scorers - Innes x2, Evans

Team - Fuller, Ortyl, Innes, Haimes, Brightwell, Reigate, McCoalite, Murphy, Innes, Evans, Watson. Subs - Banton, Campbell.