Crawley Town made it two consecutive away wins in a row, beating Gillingham at Priestfield in the early Boxing Day clash.
The Red devils took the lead through a superb Will Wright free kick, before Jack Roles, on midway thorough the second half, made sure of the points with a strike on 70 minutes. Gillingham continued to chuck the ball into the Reds box, but Lindsey's men held firm to bring 3 points back to West Sussex.
It was a bright start to the game for the Red Devils, who seemed confident in possession. Gillingham were looking like a tough team to break down, with many of Crawley’s long balls running too long as the front line struggled to battle their way through the Gills’ backline.
One of Crawley’s main outlets in the first half was wing-back Kellan Gordon. On a few occasions, Gordon was able to get the better of his marker and charge forward into space. Gordon was able to deliver several crosses into the Gillingham penalty area, but they were all defended well and cleared to safety.
It would appear that both sides would have to be careful with their challenges and dissent this afternoon as referee Ben Atkinson dished out four yellow cards during the first half, much to the anger of the Gillingham crowd.
The Red Devils were arguably the better side in the first half and found their breakthrough in the 24th minute. Klaidi Lolos, who was rewarded with a start today after an impressive cameo on Friday evening, was fouled right on the edge of the penalty area to set up an inviting set-piece opportunity. Many of the Crawley players were adamant that the foul occurred inside the penalty area, but Atkinson’s mind was made up.
Usually, a free-kick this close to the goal would see the taker strike the wall or fire an effort well over the bar. However, with Will Wright on your side, anything can happen. The Reds man perfectly found the far top corner with a ferocious strike, which left Jake Turner with no chance. Wright was booked in the aftermath of the celebration, which took place right in front of the main stand of his former side.
The Gills were a lot better after going a goal down. The Crawley defence had to be alert on numerous occasions to stop the dangerous Tom Nichols and Ashley Nadesan, who both featured for the Reds last season.
Crawley held firm and saw out several set-pieces at the end of the first half to enter the break level.
Gillingham began the second half with the majority of play and saw good chances for both Nadesan and Nichols, former Red Devils, wasted.
Addai was then called into action on 58 minutes, first making a good low save to deny Williams, with the Reds keeper also manging to palm away the follow up.
Ade Adeyemo was introduced on 60 minutes for Lolos and nearly made an instant impact, stining the palms of Turner in the Gillingham goal.
Jack Roles, star for the Reds in the Bristol Street Motots trophy, came on at 68 minutes and managed to double the Reds lead on 70. Good play from Tsaroulla on the far left allowed play to drift inside and Roles unleashed a drive that took a knick off the Gillingham defender and flew into the top left of Tuner's goal.
Reds continued to look dangerous on the break, whilst also staying strong to the Gillingham barrage at the other end. Conroy, Maguire and Ransom all deserving honoruable mentions.
Gillingham continued to toss the ball into the box, but the Reds held firm to pick up their third away win of the season, and send the 288 traveling fans from West Sussex home happy.
REDS XI: Addai, Gordon (Roles 68'), Ransom, Conroy (c), Maguire, Tsaroulla, Darcy, Wright, Lolos (Adeyemo 63'), Campbell, Orsi (Swyer 88')
Attendance: 7,150 (288 away)
