Crawley have to settle for point in play-off race

In a crowded Gander Green Lane, each club had distinct objectives to fulfil. According to Nick Park, Sutton United was struggling to survive in League Two.

Conversely, Crawley Town is aiming for the playoffs.

The Broadfield men got off to a good start when Danilo Orsi missed a close-range shot.

Throughout, Klaidi Lolos was another tormenting member of the Sutton fraternity. He launched an attempt that went over the crossbar first. On another occasion, he first produced an attempt that Sutton’s custodian Steve Arnold valiantly stopped. He then managed a strike that was blocked by defenders a few seconds later. Liam Kelly was the recipient of a short ball from Orsi on the left in the danger zone, which contributed to the first goal. Kelly was looking from the box’s edge.

Following the interval Sutton were fortunate to draw level.  Charlie Lakin had a crack from the edge of the box that took a deflection, confusing Corey Addai.

Sutton soon sped into the lead after a mishap at the back between Addai and Jay Williams.  The hosts’ Harry Beautyman intercepted a rolled-out pass between the pair prior to unleashing Sanderson, who finished fiercely.

Crawley stepped up a gear and Lolos spared their blushes when he received the ball from Jeremy Kelly and surged forward before making it 2-2.

There was controversy though for Crawley with the clock ticking down.  Adam Campbell sent in a cross from the right which was met by Orsi who guided it over the line.  The visitors, for a moment, thought they had won a thriller – but the flag went up for offside.

“There were missed opportunities to score, I think we created loads, certainly in the first 20 minutes, I think we could have been three or four up,” Reds manager Scott Lindsey stated.We were well in the first half, in my opinion. We weren’t in the second half.

“We played it too straight; it turned into an end-to-end match.”We wanted to play our style, pass the ball, and make them feel less stinging. “In the second half, we never controlled the game or played our style of football at all.”