Danilo Orsi brace helps Crawley secure victory over Accrington

Posted Sunday, November 12, 2023 by PA

Crawley recovered from going behind to a second-minute goal from Jack Nolan to claim their first win in six league games with a 3-1 victory over 10-man Accrington.

Danilo Orsi scored twice for the Reds including settling the issue late on with a penalty after Brad Hills received a straight red card for bringing down the Crawley striker.

Corey Addai had been Crawley’s keeper in all of Crawley’s previous 15 league games this season, but boss Scott Lindsey opted to leave him out in favour of Luca Ashby-Hammond who came in for his football league debut.

Ashby-Hammond, on a season-long loan from Fulham, was beaten after just 86 seconds as Nolan surged down the right before cutting in and firing a low shot across the keeper.

Crawley hit back to equalise after eight minutes with Orsi beating keeper Jon McCracken in a one-on-one situation after being fed by Klaidi Lolos.

The Reds threatened again midway through the half when Kellan Gordon’s cross found Lolos but his free header was easily saved by McCracken.

Crawley should have gone ahead when Orsi failed to connect at close range after good work by Nick Tsaroulla.

But the Reds continued to live dangerously at the back and Joe Pritchard had a rasping shot tipped over by Ashby- Hammind just before the break.

Former Gillingham defender Will Wright gave Crawley the lead in superb style three minutes after the break with a tremendous 25-yard shot which flew in to the right of keeper McCracken.

Ashby-Hammond later did well at the other end to deny both Shaun Whalley and substitute Seamus Conneely in quick succession before the Reds secured the points after 76 minutes from the penalty spot.

Defender Hills was shown a straight red card for bringing down Orsi and the Crawley striker duly stepped up to score his second by firing straight down the middle.