Crawley in League 1
Posted: Sun Aug 19, 2012 7:18 pm
Crawley 3 Scunthorpe 0
Crawley started the League 1 campaign with a convincing win over Scunthorpe. In near tropical conditions, with the temperature hovering in the nineties, the team outclassed their opponents. It was so hot that the referee made the players take on water in both halves. Fitness levels told and the Crawley players clearly had the edge.
In the 33rd minute, Crawley took the lead after skipper Gary Alexander converted a cross from Hope Akpan and tapped the ball past the keeper. The remainder of the first half was played out without further goals but Scunthorpe did get a couple of corners which were defended well.
Things were a bit more Crawley again after the break and in the 64th minute their Tom Newey pulled back Gary Alexander unfairly and conceded a Penalty. Gary is also our main penalty taker. He stepped up and duly drove the ball past their keeper. Then, in the 80th minute, something strange happened. There was an altercation between two players near the centre circle and everyone was watching that instead of play, except those behind the goal who let out a huge cheer! We were 3-0 up and a lot of us missed it! Apparently the ref hadn't blown and play had continued. New loanee signing Jonathan Forte from Southampton was the opportunistic scorer and it was his debut for The Reds
Early season gates are never huge with people having other things to do at this time of year so the crowd of 3172 was probably about what was expected. There have been big improvements, not only the new East stand, but to other facilities - particularly the catering and the long waits. There is also access within the ground to the Redz bar for those who like a pint at half time and smoking is tolerated in a small area. All great improvements which add to the fan experience. Full marks to the club.
Next up for the Reds is an away against our (newish) old enemies Swindon Town and judging by their recent form, this is going to be a big test for us. This match takes place this Tues. evening. I will be there with Carol urging our boys on and will report back.
COME ON YOU REDS!
Crawley started the League 1 campaign with a convincing win over Scunthorpe. In near tropical conditions, with the temperature hovering in the nineties, the team outclassed their opponents. It was so hot that the referee made the players take on water in both halves. Fitness levels told and the Crawley players clearly had the edge.
In the 33rd minute, Crawley took the lead after skipper Gary Alexander converted a cross from Hope Akpan and tapped the ball past the keeper. The remainder of the first half was played out without further goals but Scunthorpe did get a couple of corners which were defended well.
Things were a bit more Crawley again after the break and in the 64th minute their Tom Newey pulled back Gary Alexander unfairly and conceded a Penalty. Gary is also our main penalty taker. He stepped up and duly drove the ball past their keeper. Then, in the 80th minute, something strange happened. There was an altercation between two players near the centre circle and everyone was watching that instead of play, except those behind the goal who let out a huge cheer! We were 3-0 up and a lot of us missed it! Apparently the ref hadn't blown and play had continued. New loanee signing Jonathan Forte from Southampton was the opportunistic scorer and it was his debut for The Reds
Early season gates are never huge with people having other things to do at this time of year so the crowd of 3172 was probably about what was expected. There have been big improvements, not only the new East stand, but to other facilities - particularly the catering and the long waits. There is also access within the ground to the Redz bar for those who like a pint at half time and smoking is tolerated in a small area. All great improvements which add to the fan experience. Full marks to the club.
Next up for the Reds is an away against our (newish) old enemies Swindon Town and judging by their recent form, this is going to be a big test for us. This match takes place this Tues. evening. I will be there with Carol urging our boys on and will report back.
COME ON YOU REDS!