Liam Kelly’s equaliser earns Crawley point from Walsall draw

Posted Wednesday, February 14, 2024 by PA

Liam Kelly equalised midway through the second half as Crawley ended a run of three successive League Two defeats with a 1-1 home draw against Walsall.

Former Reds’ midfielder Isaac Hutchinson put Walsall ahead with a 38th-minute penalty but their hopes of a first league victory since New Year’s Day were thwarted by Kelly.

This was Crawley’s first home league draw for 10-and-a-half months – since they drew 0-0 with Walsall last April.

Former Crawley loanee Hutchinson tested goalkeeper Corey Addai in the 19th minute with a 25-yard shot which was turned around the post.

Hutchinson later crossed for Jamille Matt to put the ball over from close range.

Hutchinson made the breakthrough seven minutes before the interval when he sent Addai the wrong way from the penalty spot after defender Jay Williams was adjudged to have tripped Jack Earing.

Crawley started the second half on a more positive note and Klaidi Lolos and Danilo Orsi both had shots blocked before the Reds levelled after 65 minutes.

Midfielder Kelly rifled an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net after a move involving Orsi and substitute Jack Roles.

The hosts came close to snatching victory five minutes from time when Will Wright’s header from Kelly’s corner was saved by goalkeeper Jackson Smith and the spoils were shared.