SCENE SETTER
Tomorrow the Reds are back on home soil as we take on newly-promoted Barrow AFC at The People’s Pension Stadium in our seventeenth Sky Bet League Two fixture of the season so far, as we sit in 15th position ahead of the clash.
FORM GUIDE
Following our impressive away victory against AFC Wimbledon at Plough Lane in the second round of the Emirates FA Cup, John Yems’ Reds picked up two valuable points against tough opposition, and were unfortunate not to win both games.
Colchester United were our opposition last Tuesday in a game that the Reds fell behind in, arguably against the run of play following a bright start. Jordan Tunnicliffe was quick to react and poke home an equaliser in the box minutes later, deservedly bringing the Reds back into the game.
Crawley continued to play some fantastic football but were unable to find a winner despite a flurry of chances, especially late on in the game. Both Sam Matthews and Tyler Frost came close in the dying stages, impressing after coming on from the bench, yet the game ended 1-1 in a solid result to take away to Mansfield Town.
Lee Bradbury took charge in Mansfield due to Yems’ absence because of personal reasons. It was a slow start at the One Call Stadium as Crawley struggled to find their rhythm as it was the hosts who dominated the game in the early stages. The Reds found themselves a goal down at half-time, before Max Watters was brought on after the break.
Within the first 15 minutes of the second-half, we found ourselves 3-1 up after a sensational burst of energy and flair from the lads. Watters was the man to stick the ball in the Mansfield net on two occasions, achieving a neat brace with two clever and composed finishes.
The scorer of the other goal was Tom Dallison. A clever, twisted volley flew past the goalkeeper’s reach to round off another great performance. Unfortunately Crawley were unable to maintain their lead. Goals from George Lapslie and Andy Cook were enough for the hosts to clinch a point.
Tomorrow’s opponents, Barrow, sit in 21st position in the league table despite scoring 20 goals in 16 games. The Bluebirds have not won in the league since October when they defeated Bradford City 1-0 at home.
Barrow’s away from has been their downfall this season, only picking up 4 points on the road so far with a win at Mansfield Town and a draw against Cambridge United.
THE HISTORY
The last time the Reds took on Barrow was in 2011 when the Bluebirds travelled to The People’s Pension Stadium in the National League. Dannie Bulman played in a game that finished 3-2 to Crawley.
Crawley are yet to face Barrow in League Two, as tomorrow will mark the first professional game between the two sides.
THE OPPOSITION
Forward Dior Angus has scored four league goals this season for the newly-promoted side. The former Nuneaton and Tamworth man is certainly a threat from the front, possessing good pace and agility with an eye for goal.
Scott Quigley, who scored 20 times in the National League for tomorrow’s visitors, also is an attacking danger that the Reds will be wary of going into tomorrow’s game. The frontman stands at 6”3 and will give the away side an alternative attacking option tomorrow afternoon, with Quigley’s height and strength at their disposal.
TEAM NEWS
Reece Grego-Cox and Jake Hesketh are unavailable for tomorrow’s game. Josh Doherty is a doubt.
HOW THEY BET*
Crawley Town - 5/4
Draw - 12/5
Barrow AFC - 19/10
COVERAGE
The match will be streamed live on iFollow as you can hear from Gary Smith and Tony Vessey from 2:55.
