The Reds are back in action on Saturday when Cambridge United visit the Broadfield Stadium. Crawley lost 3-1 at Notts County on Tuesday and will be looking to bounce back despite what was a spirited performance at Meadow Lane.
Cambridge were also beaten 3-1 on Tuesday night as they crashed to a home defeat to Forest Green, and will be hoping they can pick up their third win of the season at a ground where they have an impressive recent record.
HEAD TO HEAD
Our Football League record against Cambridge has dipped after originally winning our first two against the U’s in the 2015/16 season. Back in the non-league days, games between the two sides were often close affairs, but in the 20 meetings in our history there have been just four draws.
Our first meeting as a Football League club came in the Checkatrade Trophy at the Broadfield Stadium, when an own goal from Ryan Tait and Charles Banya's strike sealed a 2-0 win to send us through to the next round.
The first league meeting was a match that Crawley fans will have etched in their memory. Under Mark Yates, and looking for our first win of the 2015/16 season, the Reds travelled to the Abbey Stadium with a healthy travelling support. A goal either side of half time from Roarie Deacon had the Reds in control and despite a red card for full back Liam Donnelly, Gwion Edwards added a third to seal a memorable 3-0 win.
The return fixture the following January saw Matt Harrold score the only goal as the Reds sealed a double with a 1-0 win.
That was our last win against the U’s, with Cambridge winning the last four games against the Reds. The first of those came in November 2016, as Cambridge picked up a 3-1 win at the Broadfield. James Collins had given us the lead inside the opening ten minutes but before the half hour United scored twice from Uche Ikpeazu and Greg Taylor. In the second half, Luke Berry added a third.
Berry was on the scoresheet again in the corresponding fixture alongside Scott Wharton as the hosts sealed a 2-0 win. Josh Payne was sent off in the final minute to compound Town’s misery.
Last season it was another double for the U’s as they nicked a 1-0 win at the Broadfield thanks to Jabo Ibehre’s second-half strike. Inside 25 minutes at the Abbey Stadium, Cambridge were 2-0 up with goals from George Maris and Ibehre. Payne pulled a goal back from the penalty just minutes after the second half break but Jevani Brown restored the home side’s two-goal advantage minutes later to seal a 3-1 win for the hosts.
ONE TO WATCH
Midfielder Reggie Lambe (pictured) scored his first two goals for Cambridge in their 4-2 defeat at Newport County last Saturday. The Bermuda international joined the U’s from Carlisle United in the summer, where he scored 14 times in 80 appearances at Brunton Park.
As a youngster, Lambe came through the ranks at Ipswich Town before joining Bristol Rovers on loan. He also played with Toronto FC in the MLS before joining Swedish side Nykopings BIS prior to signing for Carlisle via a spell at Mansfield Town.
TICKETS
Tickets are available to purchase online here and can be collected at the Ticket Collections window at the rear of the main West Stand.
You can also purchase from the ticket office from 10am on match day, as well as from cash-only outlets opposite the south-west turnstiles and from inside Redz Bar.
COVERAGE
There will be all the usual coverage via the EFL’s iFollow service from 2.55pm with commentary from Gary Smith.
BBC Sussex & Surrey Sport will also provide live updates throughout their afternoon sports show.
Across our official club social media platforms we will have coverage throughout the afternoon. Check out our Twitter, Facebook and Instagram across the match day.
