SCENE SETTER
The Reds are back at home tomorrow afternoon, looking to extend their unbelievable unbeaten run which was prolonged even further in spectacular fashion against Leeds United only eight days ago. The run began in Wimbledon in late November, and since that fixture we have recorded six wins and four draws, with an ongoing tally of huge results, both home and away, building confidence and seeing the Reds rise into the play-off spots in the league table.
FORM GUIDE
It is no secret that John Yems’ Crawley are red hot in form, with a ten-game unbeaten run in all competitions. Our last league win, before the drama of Leeds United, came at Bolton Wanderers, as a strike from the skipper, George Francomb, left us all in smiles heading away from the snowy north. In a tightly contested first half, neither side could create any devastating chances, but Crawley started strongly, controlling phases of possession and keeping Bolton out.
On the hour mark, Nichols picked out the charging run of Francomb who poked home with composure to put the Reds ahead. Growing more resilient after the advantage was awarded, the Reds defence stood strong and held out for a massive clean sheet away from home, following brave defending and successful aerial duels from the likes of Tony Craig and Jordan Tunnicliffe.
Then came Leeds United, in a game that whatever the result, would certainly live in history. The third-round Emirates FA Cup would prove to be one of the biggest clashes in Crawley history, and also our greatest ever victory.
Our opposition, Stevenage, are on a slight resurgence after a very poor start to the season. The Boro are one point off of bottom spot but are unbeaten in four in the lead up to tomorrow night’s game. This included a home win against high-flying Cambridge United, draws against Cheltenham and Tranmere and a 3-1 victory over Scunthorpe United.
THE HISTORY
The honours have been split fairly even between the two sides in recent clashes. In our last five, both Crawley and Stevenage have won twice, with one goalless draw in December 2019 at The Lamex Stadium in John Yems’ first game in charge.
In our last meeting, which came at The People’s Pension Stadium, Bez Lubala and Ashley Nadesan were the scorers in a comfortable 2-0 home win, in a game prior to the stoppage of English football which saw the remainder of the 2019/20 season come to an early conclusion.
Stevenage’s last win at The People’s Pension Stadium came in August 2018 when the Boro ran out 1-3 victors following an impressive late Alex Revell brace. A former player who now manages the team and will rival John Yems in the dugout tomorrow.
THE OPPOSITION
Stevenage are in better form as of late and have had a busy transfer window so far. Luke Norris has joined the club from Colchester United and is a figure that many Reds fans will remember for his goals against us in recent history. Norris is a physical striker with an aerial threat that will certainly test the likes of Jordan Tunnicliffe and Tony Craig who have been so impressive in the air so far this season.
Charlie Carter is another of Stevenage’s attacking threats. The Ex-Woking man joined last season and has impressed in recent games, scoring twice against Scunthorpe and once in a 1-0 home win versus Cambridge United.
Aramide Oteh has scored four times this season, after his loan move from Championship QPR, and Ex-Celtic man Jack Aitchison is on loan from Barnsley and likely to feature.
TEAM NEWS
Reece Grego-Cox is unavailable. Josh Doherty and Henry Burnett are doubts. New signing James Tilley could feature.
HOW THEY BET*
Crawley Town 12/11
Draw 23/10
Stevenage FC 14/5
*Odds correct with EFL partners Sky Bet at time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
COVERAGE
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