SCENE SETTER
This afternoon the Reds will host promotion hopefuls Bolton Wanderers in a crucial fixture that will determine the league status of the away side as the game will be shown live to the nation on Sky Sports Football with a kick-off time of 3pm.
FORM GUIDE
Following a disappointing 2-0 loss in South Wales to play-off hopefuls, Newport County, we later achieved a point when we hosted Forest Green Rovers, another side who are fighting for the top 7. The Greens started strong and looked to cause problems in the first-half, but after the break the Reds started to play some fantastic football and were unlucky
not to score as the game finished goalless.
The following weekend we travelled to Stevenage, a side who have had a fantastic second half to the season under Alex Revell. With persistent effort and spirit shown, Yems’ Reds came back from three deficits in the game to level the scoring at 1-1, 2-2, and finally 3-3 when Jack Powell sent a rocket of a shot into the top corner late on.
Bolton are a side who have excelled in the second half of the season, after suffering from a dodgy start. Wanderers have really found league form under Ian Evatt and are the most in-form side in the league this side of January.
Last time out Bolton bottled their automatic promotion hopes as they lost out dramatically to play-off hopefuls, Exeter City, as the Grecians found a last minute winner to spoil the promotion party up north.
THE HISTORY
Last time out against Bolton, the Reds recorded an impressive 0-1 away win at The University of Bolton Stadium. Crawley’s dominating pressure was rewarded just after the hour mark following a brilliant Crawley move. Ashley Nadesan whipped the ball into strike partner Tom Nichols with pace. Nichols composed himself before setting the ball gently into the path of Francomb who took a touch and slotted past goalkeeper Matt Gilks. A fantastic move from the Reds which rewarded us with three points after some resolute defending right until the final whistle.
Our only meeting previous to January’s clash between the two sides came in 2012 when the Reds impressively knocked Bolton out of the EFL Cup at The People’s Pension Stadium, Benik Afobe opened the scoring for the away side, but dramatic late goals from Billy Clarke and Nicky Ajose clinched a huge victory for Crawley, in a game that now Chelsea and Spain international, Marcos Alonso, featured.
THE OPPOSITION
Eoin Doyle is the leading goal scorer for Bolton Wanderers so far this season, the experienced finisher has a tally of eighteen so far in League Two after scoring ten since our last game with the Whites in January, including crucial goals against Forest Green and Cambridge United which have consequently propelled them to an automatic promotion spot before the final day.
Nathan Delfouneso has often partnered Doyle up top this season, scoring six goals of his own. The ex-Premier League striker has not found his shooting boots this season despite his experience, only scoring once since our last game against the White Men in January.
TEAM NEWS
Reece Grego-Cox, Sam Matthews and Tom Dallison remain unavailable, but are all making remarkable progress on their respective injuries. James Tilley is a doubt for tomorrow.
HOW THEY BET*
Crawley Town 17/4
Draw 14/5
Bolton Wanderers 3/5
*Odds correct with EFL partners Sky Bet at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
COVERAGE
Season ticket holders can watch the match live on iFollow from 2:55 with commentary from Gary Smith and Tony Vessey OR you can watch live on Sky Sports Football.
