Kevin Betsy’s side recorded another pre-season victory this evening. Goals from Jack Powell and two trialists secured victory in the Reds’ penultimate pre-season match, despite Crawley falling behind early in the second half.
The Reds created the first chance of the game with an excellent counter-attack as Rafiq Khaleel Khaleel won possession in the midfield and sprinted forward toward goal. The midfielder picked out a trialist with a neat pass, who in turn found another trialist who had an effort saved well by the Addicks goalkeeper.
The Reds took the lead moments later through Jack Powell. The midfielder took charge of a free-kick on the edge of the Grinstead penalty area and bent a beautiful effort into the bottom corner to mark his first start in 17 weeks.
Charlton levelled the score just before half-time with a beautiful curling effort from the edge of the box. The Addicks number 7 received the ball on the edge of the Crawley penalty area and wasted no time in opening up his body and curling a brilliant effort into the top corner beyond the reach of Addai.
The Reds made a handful of changes at half-time as Manny Adebowale, Szymon Kowalczyk, and two trialists came on to replace Jack Powell, George Francomb, Ludwig Francillette and Zaid Al-Hussaini.
Charlton took the lead early in the second half as Harry Ransom conceded a penalty in the 50th minute. The resulting spot-kick was smashed home past Addai to give the Addicks the lead.
Fortunately, the Reds levelled the scoring just moments later with a fantastic finish from a trialist. The trialist curled a delightful effort past the Charlton goalkeeper to finish off a rapid free-flowing move.
Soon enough, Kevin Betsy’s side found themselves ahead. Two trialists combined from a corner as a bullet header was fired beyond the reach of the Charlton goalkeeper.
Both sides made numerous changes towards the end of the game, but the Reds saw out the victory in the thunder and lightning to extend their unbeaten pre-season run.
Crawley are back in pre-season action on Saturday as they travel to the EBB Stadium to take on Aldershot.
STARTING XI: Addai, Ransom, Francillette, Francomb, Powell, Al-Hussaini, Trialist, Trialist, Khaleel, Trialist, Trialist
