SCENE SETTER
Reds are set for their third consecutive away trip as we travel to the One Call Stadium to take on Mansfield Town in our sixteenth Sky Bet League Two fixture of the season.
FORM GUIDE
Despite impressive cup victories against Torquay United and AFC Wimbledon in recent weeks, Crawley’s league form has struggled as of late, without a win since late October against Cambridge United.
After disappointing home defeats to Carlisle United and Grimsby Town, John Yems’ side have hit some real form, with impressive away performances against League One AFC Wimbledon in the FA Cup, and Colchester United in Sky Bet League Two.
In our trip to Plough Lane, The Reds excelled in a new system in which Tony Craig was partnered by both Jordan Tunnicliffe and Tom Dallison in defence. The tie ended 1-2 after the hosts took the lead through Joe Pigott, but goals from Ashley Nadesan and Max Watters were enough to gift the Reds an exciting third-round tie against Leeds United in January.
We then took on Colchester United on Tuesday evening and put on a top display against a strong side. Again the Reds went behind in the first-half against the run of play but Jordan Tunnicliffe equalised following a set-piece that was knocked on by the impressive Tom Dallison. The clash ended 1-1 in a game that many claimed we deserved to win.
Tomorrow’s opponents have not had the greatest of starts to the season but things look as if they are on the up for the Stags under Nigel Clough. Clough’s men travelled to Cambridge United on Tuesday night picking up an impressive 0-1 victory courtesy of a Jamie Reid goal.
THE HISTORY
Since 2015, the sides have met on nine occasions with Crawley winning twice, both times at The People’s Pension Stadium. The Reds’ last win in Mansfield came in 2010 when the sides were in the National League.
In September of 2019, in our last clash with the Stags, a Bez Lubala goal proved the difference in a 1-0 home win.
In the previous season the Reds failed to score against Mansfield, losing 1-0 away and playing out a goalless affair at The People’s Pension Stadium.
THE OPPOSITION
Mansfield have many attacking threats available for tomorrow’s game. Jamie Reid, formerly of Torquay United, scored their last goal at Cambridge on Tuesday and will look to continue his form against the Reds.
Stags also have experienced strikers, Nicky Maynard, Andy Cook and Jordan Bowery on their books, all players who have found the net on many occasions throughout their careers for various EFL clubs. Despite this, the Stags have scored six less goals than John Yems’ Reds this season.
TEAM NEWS
Reece Grego-Cox and Tom McGill are unavailable for tomorrow’s trip. Nathan Ferguson is a doubt.
HOW THEY BET*
Mansfield Town 11/10
Draw 5/2
Crawley Town 5/2
*Odds correct with EFL partners Sky Bet at time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
COVERAGE
You can watch all the action live on iFollow buy purchasing a match pass for £10 by clicking here.
