The Red Devils bowed out of the Emirates FA Cup this afternoon at Meadow Lane. An early goal from Danilo Orsi was cancelled out by Dan Crowley as the two sides entered the half-time break level. Despite Orsi netting a second, his goals were not enough to see his team through as League Two promotion hopefuls Notts County ended up as 3-2 victors.
It was the dream start for Crawley when Danilo Orsi gave Scott Lindsey’s side the lead in the third minute. Nick Tsaroulla combined brilliantly with Klaidi Lolos, which gave the latter space to find Danilo Orsi inside the box. Orsi poked an initial effort towards goal, which bounced off of the post but fell kindly back to the striker, who made no mistake with the rebound.
Crawley continued to push as they searched for a second goal, but unfortunately, the next blow came the way of Notts County. Dan Crowley converted a brilliant delivery from the right-hand side to sucker punch the Red Devils, who had looked brilliant in the opening exchanges.
Somehow, Crawley didn’t score in the remainder of the half. The away side must have had five or six clear-cut chances but failed to find the back of the net for the remainder of the first half.
Klaidi Lolos was causing all sorts of issues for the Notts County defence and could have scored a wonderful solo goal in the 23rd minute. The attacker received the ball on the penalty spot and gracefully took it past three County defenders, creating room for a shot. Unfortunately, the effort trickled wide of the post.
Lolos had a further two chances, but County goalkeeper Aidan Stone was on hand to thwart Lolos on both occasions. Klaidi would have been more disappointed with the second effort, as he had plenty of time to pick a spot, having been played through on goal from the midfield. Lolos looked set to find the bottom corner, but Stone reacted fast and palmed the effort to safety.
Crawley’s woes continued when David McGoldrick put Notts County ahead in the 58th minute. It was a good finish from the former Derby County striker, who made no mistake from inside the box. The Reds may look back and think that they could have stopped the goal, but McGoldrick used his experience to find the back of the net.
Scott Lindsey’s side were not down and out of the match, and Danilo Orsi soon found the back of the net for the second time. The goal came after a period of really positive play from the Red Devils. Kellan Gordon picked out the striker at the far post with a perfect cross. Orsi could not miss from close range and wheeled away to the delight of the 271 Crawley fans.
Crawley continued to make chances and could have easily scored more goals in the second half, but it was Notts County who re-took the lead for what proved to be the final time in the 75th minute.
It was Macaulay Langstaff who netted the winning goal. The well-renowned goalscorer was introduced only a few minutes before his goal. In similar fashion to Orsi’s second goal, Langstaff was found at the back post by an inch-perfect cross.
Crawley continued to put pressure on the home side but failed to find the net in the dying minutes.
The Red Devils return to action on Tuesday night in the EFL Trophy as we host Aston Villa U21 at the Broadfield Stadium.
REDS XI: Ashby-Hammond, Tsaroulla (Adeyemo 86’), Maguire, Wright, Johnson, Kelly, Gladwin, Lolos, Khaleel (Campbell 59’), Orsi
