Crawley Town Finish Tenth in Terrific League One Campaign

When I first started writing this blog my first entry highlighted Crawley's first half of the 2012/13 season and I gave my expectations for the rest of the season. That can be found here. 

This blog post will review Town's second half of the season which saw them finish in 10th place. 

The first game of the new year came on New Year's Day at home to Colchester United. Mark Connolly's first Reds goal, along with strikes from Billy Clarke and Nicky Adams saw Crawley start the year with a 3-0 victory - a terrific bounce back from the previous game away at Bournemouth. Reading were the next visitors to the Broadfield Stadium for the FA Cup 3rd Round clash. The full report, which includes my view of Nicky Adams' 14 second goal, can be found here. Defeat at Tranmere was next for the Reds before another away defeat at Scunthorpe was sandwiched between two 1-1 draws at home to Swindon and Doncaster; both were shown on Sky Sports. 

Terrific wins away at Leyton Orient and Bury left some fans filled with belief that Crawley Town - in their first season - would reach the nPower League One Play Offs. In March, Town drew three of their four home games; a stalemate against Notts County, a 1-1 affairs with Carlisle and Stevenage. The Red Devils' first home win since New Years Day came against Crewe with Jamie Proctor scoring both. 

April, the final month of the season. One last push. Come on Crawley, you can do it. 

Of the final seven games, four were away ties for the Reds. A disappointing 3-0 defeat to Shrewsbury opened the month on Bank Holiday Monday before an army of Reds' fans travelled to stadium:mk as Crawley took on MK Dons. A drab 0-0 was the final result. Two 0-0's? In the space of a month? Blimey, times do change! Next was a game which wouldn't have looked out of place in the FA Cup a few years ago. Crawley Town visited Bramall Lane to take on Sheffield United. United themselves were still in the mix for an automatic promotion place. I was unfortunate that I couldn't make this game but the radio was on and I was tuned in at home. What I heard was truly unbelievable. "BILLY CLARKEEE...OH ITS IN! CRAWLEY HAVE THE LEAD!" screamed Reds' Player commentator John Barnett. I must admit, I jumped around the house! Ten minutes later...this happened. "Crawley break again. It's Billy Clarke, he's into the box, across to HAYES! 2-0 TO CRAWLEY!". The 186 away fans were sent into delirium, no doubt. Possibly the greatest victory in Crawley Town's league history?

Poolie Penguins

Next was a home game against Coventry City - another 2-0 victory for the Reds. Coventry and Sheffield United both defeated by tiny 'non league' Crawley? Nothing like ending a season in style, eh?. The final away trip of the season saw the Red Army venture up to Oldham before Reds ended the season with two home game. Mike Jones' first Town goal sealed victory against Preston North End before Hartlepool's penguins invaded Sussex (as well as a couple of nuns!) Already relegated Pools really know how to have a party! A drab game came to life in the second half with four goals. Two fantastic strikes from United's Andy Monkhouse cancelled out Jamie Proctor's opener before Proctor himself scored late on to secure a 2-2 draw. 

So, what a season it has been. I've travelled up and down the country watching my beloved football team with some fantastic people and enjoyed every moment. From Portsmouth to Birkenhead (or Carlisle if you could afford it) I watched my side put on a show and rip up League One. Richie Barker led his men in a memorable season in our League One debut and for that I will be forever grateful. 

Right, I'm signing off for the summer. See you in August, but for now - keep up to date on Twitter!