In-form Crawley close in on play-offs

Posted Sunday, February 11, 2018 by PA

In-form Crawley made it seven wins in the last eight games with a convincing 3-0 home victory over struggling Grimsby.

Jimmy Smith’s first-half penalty was added to by Karlan Ahearne-Grant and Enzio Boldewijn in the second half to move Harry Kewell’s side four points off the play-offs.

The result increased the pressure on Mariners boss Russell Slade, whose team are winless in 12 matches during which they have scored only four goals.

Grimsby were put under pressure mid-way through the first half when Dutch striker Thomas Verheydt had a low shot saved by goalkeeper Ben Killip after skipper Smith’s effort was parried.

Keeper Glenn Morris came to Crawley’s rescue at the other end by smothering a goal-bound shot from Mallik Wilks.

Crawley broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time when Boldewijn was brought down by Luke Summerfield and Smith stroked his seventh goal of the season from the penalty spot.

The hosts came close to doubling their advantage shortly after the break when, from a pass by Ahearne-Grant, Boldewijn put a deflected shot just wide.

Crawley’s second goal did, however, arrive in the 62nd minute as Ahearne- Grant, on loan from Charlton, scored his second goal in as many games with an unstoppable right-foot shot from the edge of the area.

Boldewijn sealed Crawley’s comfortable win in the 69th minute by neatly chipping Killip from a deft pass by substitute Mark Randall.