Crawley Town slipped to their first defeat of the season against Gillingham on what was a very sunny Saturday afternoon at the Broadfield Stadium.
The visitors, who maintained their perfect start to the league season, went in front when Harry Ransom scored an unfortunate own-goal, inadvertently steering in Shadrach Ogie’s cross.
Gillingham looked dangerous down the left-hand side all game, and it was this avenue that proved fruitful as they stole a vital march on their hosts, who started the day in 3rd place in League Two.
Just before the quarter of an hour mark, and with the scores level, Crawley had a golden chance to take the lead after they were awarded a penalty for a handball inside the area.
Captain Dom Telford stepped up to take it, and following a little delay, hit an effort to the right of the Gillingham keeper, Jake Turner, who got down well to save it.
There was little else in the way of quality chances for either side in the first half, but both Adam Campbell and Danilo Orsi had chances to put their name on the scoresheet.
The Red Devils came out with the bit between their teeth in the second half and had a couple of opportunities to level proceedings. However, on both occasions, Danilo Orsi could not guide his attempt past Turner in the Gillingham net.
Gillingham had a chance of their own early on in the second half, with Scott Malone’s effort stinging the palms of Corey Addai, who pushed the ball over for a corner.
From that very corner, the Gills saw an effort cleared off the line, before the rebound cannoned against the crossbar, having first flashed past a diving Addai.
Another great chance came Crawley’s way when Ronan Darcy weaved his way in from the right and played it to Liam Kelly, who subsequently found Harry Ransom, but his shot was well saved by Turner.
With roughly 10 minutes left of normal time, Klaidi Lolos lined one up from outside the box, but his effort, which curled, dipped and swerved as it made its way through the air was once again met by a pair of strong hands.
Time wore on, and ultimately Crawley just could not break down their opposition and succumbed to their first loss of the season, whilst the visitors held on for their fourth consecutive 1-0 win of the season – the first time this has happened since EFL records began.
REDS XI: Addai, Tsaroulla, Conroy, Wright, Ransom, Campbell (Henry 64'), Kelly, Williams (Forster 86'), Darcy, Telford (Lolos 67'), Orsi
Attendance: 4310 (1356 away)
