Friday, August 29, 2003
RESERVES AND YOUTH TEAM UPCOMING FIXTURES
The Reserve side visit Aylesbury United in the Suburban League on Saturday, kick-off 3pm, as they look to continue their climb up the Premier Division table. The Youth teams next match is on Monday evening when then play host to Chipstead in the 1st Qualifying Round of the FA Youth Cup. The Youth team match kicks off at 7.45pm.
VINES MAKES EARLY RETURN FROM HOLIDAY
Crawley Town manager Francis Vines has cut short his two-week holiday in the South of France so he can lead his side for the Dr Martens League match at home to league leaders Worcester City on Saturday. Vines' return follows the departure of his assistant Vic Bettinelli to Premiership Fulham earlier in the week. Vines will be assisted by former Crystal Palace reserve team boss Dave Swindlehurst who came to the club to help Bettinelli with coaching the side.
Vines will be hoping to build on Monday's 3-1 home win over Havant & Waterlooville, although he will have to do so without Justin Gregory, Joff Vansittart, Warren Bagnall and Charlie McDonald who all remain on the injury list. Ian Payne is to have a late fitness test on his achilles injury.
CRAWLEY MAKE NEW SIGNING
Former Manchester United youngster Craig Dean has become the latest player to join Francis Vines' squad. The 26 year old, who can play either left-back or left-midfield, played for Shelbourne in the Irish League and Smirnoff Irish League Ards last season. With Ian Payne struggling with an achilles injury Dean could make his debut on Saturday against Worcester City.
HARRIS SIGNS DUAL FORMS WITH LEWES
Crawley Town defender Justin Harris has signed duals forms with early Ryman League Division One pacesetters Lewes. Harris, who signed from Eastbourne Borough during the close season, has been suffering with an injury and it is hoped that by playing for the south coast side he will gain vital match fitness.
BAGNALL GOES UNDER THE KNIFE
Reds Forward Warren Bagnall had his long-awaited knee operation on Thursday. Bagnall suffered with injuries last season and has yet to feature in any games this season. Following the operation he now will remain out of contention for a further six weeks.
Thursday, August 28, 2003
RESERVES WIN AS YOUTHS LOSE
The Reserve side registered their second league win of the Suburban League season on Wednesday, as they won away at Basingstoke 1-0. Sal Gaye scored for the Reds on 12 minutes, which was enough to win the game and see Crawley climb to 6th in the Premier Division. The Youth team didn't fair so well at Horsham YMCA however in the Southern Youth League, losing 3-1.
Tuesday, August 26, 2003
VIC QUITS
Reds Assistant Manager Vic Bettinelli resigned after the Havant & Waterlooville match on Monday. Bettinelli had been in temporary charge of the first team whilst Francis Vines is on holiday. He leaves the club to take on the role of goalkeeping coach at Premiership side Fulham. Ex-West Ham and Crystal Palace striker Dave Swindlehurst, who recently joined the clubs coaching staff, takes over temporary charge of the team until Vines returns.
MIDWEEK FIXTURES
Both the Reserve and Youth teams are in action on Wednesday evening. The Reserve side visit Basingstoke Town in the Suburban League, kick-off 7.45pm, whilst the Youth team make the short trip to Horsham YMCA in the Southern Youth League. Their match kicks off at 7.30pm.
REDS BEAT HAVANT
Crawley registered their first win of the season on Monday when they overcame Havant & Waterlooville at the Broadfield Stadium. The win sees the Reds continue their steady climb up the league table. It was the visitors who started the scoring though when Dean Howell fired past Andy Little. Crawley drew level on 23 minutes when Danny Marney finished off a move involving Mo Harkin and Jay Richardson. The Reds were soon ahead when Kevin Hemsley headed home a cross from Robert Smith following a short corner just three minutes later. Danny Marney then scored his second of the game, Crawley's third, on 57 minutes to seal the 3-1 win.
SATURDAYS ROUND-UP
The first team kept their first clean sheet of the season at Bath City on Saturday when they drew 0-0. Their were a couple of changes to the side that drew at Dover the previous Tuesday, with Ellis Hooper moving to the bench as Kevin Hemlsey took his place in the starting line-up. Charlie MacDonald was absent through injury, so the forwards were Danny Marney, Carl-Wilson Dennis and Fabian Forde.
Whilst the firsts were drawing at Bath the Resreve side were winning at the Broadfield Stadium, as they beat Ashford Town (Middlesex) 4-2. The Reserves goals came from Mamadou Jallow, Matt Otley, Sal Gaye and David Staff.
Friday, August 22, 2003
TEAM NEWS
After appearing as second half subs at Dover Athletic on Tuesday both Peter Fear and Mo Harkin should be in contention for a starting place when the Reds visit Twerton Park, home of Bath City, on Saturday. Joff Vansittart is still unavailable, but may return against Worcester a week later. Justin Gregory and Warren Bagnall are also unavailable. Both were due to have MRI scans on Monday.
Wednesday, August 20, 2003
REDS DRAW AT DOVER
Crawley played their first away match of the league season on Tuesday night, as they made the trip to the Crabble, home of Dover Athletic. Ian Payne started the scoring after only 9 minutes when his shot from 20 yards out sailed through the hands of Dover keeper Paul Hyde into the home net. Dover soon equalised however as Andy Arnott headed in from close range following a free kick by Jamie Day. Carl Wilson-Denis restored the Reds lead just before the interval as he slotted home past Hyde after a great pass had split the home defense leaving Wilson-Denis with just the keeper to beat. Dean Readings scored Dover's second just after the hour mark as he headed home an in-swinging corner to give Dover a share of the spoils.
Tuesday, August 19, 2003
YOUTHS START WITH WIN
The Youth team began their Southern Youth League season on Monday night, when they played host to Horsham. A goal by Georgie Smith early on in the second half was enough to secure a 1-0 win for the Reds.
Monday, August 18, 2003
NO TO SQUAD NUMBERS
The league have ruled that the club cannot continue to use squad numbers on their shirts, and they must use shirts numbered 1-17. Against Merthyr Tydfil the Reds used squad numbers, with Fabian Forde the highest number used, 30.
RESERVES LOSE OPENER
The Reserve side started their Suburban League campaign on Saturday when they visited Middlesex based Brook House. Brook House had the better of the two league fixtures between the side last season, and started the same way this time out too as they won 2-0.
REDS SUFFER OPENING DAY LOSS
Despite dominating the match against newly promoted Methyr Tydfil the Reds suffered an opening day loss as the visitors went back to Wales 2-1 winners. Crawley included loan players Danny Marney and Carl Wilson-Denis in their line-up, which saw a number of players making their league debut for the Reds.
After a bright start by Crawley a defensive error by Ellis Hooper saw Merthyr take the lead on 8 minutes through Cortez Belle. As the half drew to a close Crawleys relentless pressure on the Merthyr goal finally paid off. Charlie MacDonald headed home Jay Richardson's corner in added time seeing the scores level at the interval.
The second half proved no more fruitful for the Reds, with Wilson-Denis, Fabian Forde and Nigel Brake all missing what seemed like simple chances to get on the scoreline, whilst Marney saw a super effort rebound out off the underside of the crossbar.
Merthyrs winner came on the 58th minute courtesy of Gary Thorne.
Friday, August 15, 2003
INJURY NEWS
Richard Massimo, the club physio, gave up to date details of the injury crisis hitting the club in their build-up to the forthcoming campaign on the forum last night. He advised that Peter Fear was back in full training from yesterday, whilst it is hoped that Mo Harkin and Joff Vansittart can resume training on Monday. Justin Gregory and Warren Bagnall are booked in for an MRI scan next week as a precautionary measure and it is hoped that they will be back in training in around a fortnight.
He reminded fans that all dates given apart for Fear and Harkin are approximate and the players may take more or less time to get back to full fitness depending how they react to treatment.
FORDE SIGNS FOR REDS
Fabian Forde has signed for Crawley ahead of the opening Dr Martens league match at home to Merthyr Tydfil. Francis Vines has signed Forde after both Joff Vansittart and Warren Bagnall were ruled out through injury. Forde, who turned out a number of times in pre-season for the Reds, will go straight into the squad for Saturdays game.
Vines has also managed to secure two strikers, Daniel Marney and Carl Wilson-Denis, on loan from Nationwide league neighbours Brighton & Hove Albion for an initial period of one month. Marney was in their youth team and has been described as "a striker with enormous potential" by Dean Wilkins, whilst Wilson-Dennis has just been awarded a short term contract after impressing during pre-season. Wilson-Denis joined from Kingstonian.
Thursday, August 14, 2003
RESERVES BEAT YOUTHS
Wednesday night saw the Reserve side play their last friendly, as they beat the Youth team in a match at Brinsbury College. The 12-a-side match saw the Reserves run out 6-2 winners with goals from Sal Gaye (3), Aidan Danaher and Mamadou Jallow. Kevin Joyce and Georgie Smith got the Youth teams goals.
KIRKWOOD LOAN MOVE
Reserve starlet Scott Kirkwood has joined Ryman league side Horsham on loan. Kirkwood, who signed a contract with the Reds during the close season starts his one months loan spell the Queen Street club on Saturday when they visit Walton & Hersham. The deal was agreed to give Kirkwood vital first team experience.
Tuesday, August 12, 2003
GLADWISH LAND SALES ARE SPONSORS
Gladwish Land Sales have been confirmed as the new sponsors of Crawley Town Football Club. They are a Horsham based company who deal in the sale of agricultural or forestry land without planning permission. The deal is worth a minimum of £200,000 over the next five years with an option to increase by a further three years.
The club will wear the new shirts for their opening Dr Martens League fixture against Merthyr Tydfil at the Broadfield Stadium on Saturday WITH squad numbers on. There should be some shirts available for purchase.
The owner of Gladwish, Victor Gladwish, already sponsors Herne Bay and used to sponsor Canterbury. He has said he wants the club to remain in red shirts for home games but may want to change the away kit to his company colours (green and blue) at some time in the future.
A cheque for £37,600 has been presented to the club for the first years sponsorship.
VINES ON TARGET
Francis Vines was on the scoresheet last night, when the Reds visited Camberley Town of the Ryman League to play their last pre-season friendly. Vines' goal saw the Reds run out 1-0 victors.
Monday, August 11, 2003
LATEST PLAYER NEWS
Charlie McDonald finally put pen to paper last week, much to the relief of many fans, as he signed a 2 year deal with the club. McDonald has found the net a few times in the pre-season games and the Reds faithful will be hoping that that continues into the season and beyond. Also signed are Justin Harris and Jay Richardson. Francis Vines missed out on securing the services of Jim Rodwell after Rodwell agreed to sign for Aldershot.
Vines is still hopeful of bring in new faces before the season kicks off on Saturday, with Norman Sylla and Scott McDonald set to play at Camberley. Sylla signed for DMLP rivals Havant & Waterlooville only last month from Banbury United, but was released last week after they signed Chukkie Eribenne from AFC Bournemouth, whilst McDonald was previously at Southampton.
ONE MORE FRIENDLY
A hastily arranged friendly takes place on Monday (11th) night when Crawley travel to Camberley Town, kick-off is 7.45pm.
TROPHY DEFEAT ON PENALTIES
Crawley failed to add yet another trophy to the already brimming cabinet on Saturday as Burgess Hill won the Roy Hayden Trophy 6-5 on penalties. Burgess Hill scored first through Steve Harper, before Robert Smith equalised with a great effort on 77 minutes. Andy Little then saved a penalty in normal time from Matthew Geard. With no futher goal action the tie was decided by a penalty shoot-out. With the score then level at 3-3 after the initial kicks it moved into sudden death. Robert Kembers penalty was the one that was saved, giving the Hillians victory.
RESERVES LOSE AT HERTFORD
When the Reserve side turned out against Hertford on Saturday a few familiar faces met them. For former Reds coach Brian Owen is manager of the Ryman league side, with ex-Reds Dave McEwen, Curtis Johnson, Tony Sweet and Phil Goss amongst the starting line-up. Hertford proved too strong though and send the Reds home defeated thanks to a single goal from Kevin Cooper.
SPURS YOUTH OUT GUN REDS
A young Spurs side saw off the challange of Crawley on Wednesday evening as they went away 3-1 victors. Jim Rodwell, in his last match for the Reds before signing for Conference outfit Aldershot, headed the Reds into the lead early on. Spurs came back though and goals from Jamie Slabber, Marcel McKie and Dean Marney won it for them.
COOKSEY SECURES OLDHAM DEAL
Former Reds midfielder Ernie Cooksey has secured himself a one-year deal at Nationwide League side Oldham Athletic after impressing them in pre-season. Cooksey was the only trialist that the Latics offered terms to so praise shoudl go to him, and we wish him all best from CTFC.net.
RESERVES WIN AT HAYWARDS HEATH
The Reserve side won 4-1 at Haywards Heath last Tuesday evening, after going a goal behind. Scott Kirkwood scored a hat-trick (one of which was a penalty), with Liam Buchan scoring the other.
FIRSTS IN ACTION FOR RESSIES
After the dissapointing performance against Stevenage Francis Vines made some of the first team turn out in the Reserve sides friendly at Walton & Hersham last Monday. Charlie McDonald, Lee Riddell and Shaheen Sadough scored for Crawley in a 3-3 draw.
MIXED FORTUNES AT STEYNING
The Reserves double header at Steyning provided fortunes. The first match saw them trounce a Steyning Reserve side 7-0 with goals from Liam Buchan (2), Jason Torray (2), Jamie McLeod (2), Sal Gaye and Aidan Danaher. Steyning's first team put up more of a fight though as they won the second match 2-1, with Shaheen Sadough grabbing the Reds goal.
REDS LOSE TO STEVENAGE
Crawley lost to a Stevenage side that was depleted by injuries when they visited the Broadfield Stadium recently. The visitors included former Reds favourote Danny Carroll in their starting line-up as they ran out 3-0 victors. The Stevenage goals came from Antony Eldring, Tony Battersby and Clint Marcelle.
Friday, August 01, 2003
SITE UPDATES
As the editor of this site will be taking a well deserved holiday the site will not be updated between Saturday 2nd and Monday 11th August. Normal service will resume on 11th August, with updates for all games played during that week.
Home
| Fixtures
| Table |
Forum | Friends
| Archives | Donate
| Contact Us
Site
design ©
CTFC.net 1998-2003
