Crawley 1s vs. Burnt Ash 1s

Looking to build on a solid home win last week Crawley, made the relatively short trip to South-East London to take on old adversaries Burnt Ash.

However, as seems to be becoming an unfortunate habit this season, Crawley began the game in inauspicious fashion; conceding a sloppy goal in the opening exchanges as some poor communication left a Burnt Ash striker unmarked at the back post for a tap in. With this early advantage Burnt Ash were content to sit with a defensive half court press and look to force Crawley to make the play. This was an issue for Crawley throughout the game, as with three of the usual midfield four missing there was a lack of creativity in this vital area. The first half took on a predictable pattern with Crawley struggling to make inroads into the Burnt Ash half whilst looking vulnerable on the counter, and it was only some fine saves from stand-in keeper and man of the match Chris Rockingham which kept Crawley in the game. Nevertheless, Crawley did score to bring the game level as an effective run from the wing by Reece Banton saw the ball break for Seb Watson, who struck a low shot into the corner to continue his fine goal scoring form. Not long after this Crawley fell behind again though, as a hopeful ball into the D was fortuitously deflected home by a Burnt Ash forward to leave Crawley behind at the half-time interval.

The second half was much the same as Crawley lacked ideas and toiled unsuccessfully to break down a stubborn Burnt Ash, who themselves broke well on a number of occasions but failed to convert their chances. Crawley were not helped as ill-discipline crept in for the first time this season; with Hasan Yousaf, Rob Gate, Seb Watson and Steve Innes all spending time in the sin-bin. This only made it easier for Burnt Ash to see out the remainder of the game without great incident and leave Crawley frustrated and still without a point on the road this season. Next week sees Crawley look to bounce back at home against potential league favourites Tunbridge Wells.

Final score: Crawley 1 Burnt Ash 2

Crawley: Rockingham, J. Innes, Yousaf, Brightwell(c), Radoux, Reigate, Murphy, Fuller, Gate, Banton, S. Innes, Watson.

MOM: Chris Rockingham
DOD: James Innes