Life Revolves Around CTFC

Bash Away As Reds Progress

2009-12-13T00:06:00.000-08:00

When the draw was out made we thought it was great but the closer it came to the game you start to think this might just be a hard one.

The day starts well when you wake up at 10.15 (Leaving at 11) and you have no idea how you got where you are and you have a massive hangover. Perfect. Quick emergency call to a mate to pick me up and off to the Stadium we go (Via Tesco's for breakfast of course)

The trip up their seems to drag as not only do we fail to succeed with the Daily Star's football crossword many people seem to think the coach driver has got lost. Well after a few wrong turns and wrong words we've found the team coach and the ground. Its in the middle of nowhere behind a garden centre. Perfect.

We've arrived at 1.30ish and its time for the bar, Nowhere else to go so the grounds bar it is. In we go pay our entry for the game £8, Superb ! In the bar pint and very late breakfast. Burger,Sausage,Bacon,Chips :) Lovely.

Into the ground and its nothing superb, 3 Sides of flat ground like 3 Bridges and a small seated area to one side with a little bit of covered terracing that was literally falling to pieces. Behind the goal where we are shooting and the sun is right in the view superb. But within 3 minutes Crawley are one up. Rents about 2 yards our right football nets superbly into the corner of the goal. The keeper didn't move. Great finish. Second goal didn't take long as another well worked move was finished by Wilson. Thats it game over we think and how many can we score. Not so Bash bring themselves back into the game and put us on the back foot. Pressure on as Bashley finish a good move with a goal of their own and it makes it 2-1 Reds at half time.

Back in the bar at half time, for some chips and hot chocolate to warm up while watching the scores on sky sports :)

Second half behind the other goal, Crawley are quieter and seem to be just holding on, When another well worked Ademeno move is turned into his own net by a Bashley defender 3-1 up now and this must be game over. Bashley credit to them never give up and get another reward when picking up their second goal and it looks like they are growing in confidence. They have us on the back foot and the sting has been taken out of our performance.

Then the worst miss I have ever seen, The ball is crossed in headed at the keeper who stops it with his feet. The ball goes to Adam Quinn 2 yards out open goal and thats it We've got it, Haven't we ? No somehow Quinny puts it wide. Great miss ! Almost as good as Baptiste's miss currentley doing the rounds on Youtube.

Game over 3-2 win and we have gone through. £5000 better off and dreaming of Wembley. Who's next, Anyone at home please :)

Taking The Lamb To The Slaughter

2009-12-12T23:47:00.000-08:00

Another away day without the coach so the train was the only option for this one. As always leave in plenty of time to get their early enough for a drink, But this day was looking bad from the start.

Crawley - Victoria - Euston - Rugby - Tamworth - Simple right ? Wrong, Getting to London is easy enough, But the straight train to Rugby is where the nightmare begins. With it not due to stop, We pull in and Milton Keynes everyones a bit confused. Well the delay goes on and an announcement across the train is someone has been hit by a train at Rugby. FANTASTIC some selfish fucker has decided to try and ruin a great CTFC away day by playing with the train. Clever.

We Eventually made it into Rugby an hour later then planned, Only problem is every single train is delayed due too only 2 platforms being open. We hope ours is different but no, 30 minutes late and it finally leaves Rugby station at 2.45, No hope of arriving for kick off. We leave the last stop before Tamworth and The taxi has already been rung and its waiting for us to get to Tamworth. Out the station into cab to the ground, We make it 5 minutes late superb :)

Get into the ground and walk to the "Away" end. Walk onto the terrace turn round and Ademeno breaks into the box, Crosses for Kileen and YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS 1-0 ! Perfect timing, All the delays were worth it.

Second half we change ends, Bit of grub no roof and its pissing down with rain superb ! It doesn't help that Crawley have decided to sit back on a 1 goal lead so the performance is dreadful. Anyway after 45 minutes of frustrating football we've done it. Our first away win since august !

The way home is total opposite to earliar, No problems quick journeys and still manage a few pints when back :)

Superb !

Diamonds Broken By Crawley

2009-09-26T10:59:00.000-07:00

Crawley managed to make it 5 games unbeaten and return to winning ways with a well battled win over Rubbish & Dustbins.

The game started off with huge dissapointment for the reds fans as not only did we manage to miss a 1st minute penalty (It was awful) we went 1-0 down not long after. The support through the first half again was great and the players reacted with some promising attacks. Soon enough our wide play payed off as a good cross was met By J-lo (He may have jumped camera's will have to show us if it was a miracle or not) and the ball flew into the corner of the net 1-1.

Second half we were alot less dominant but managed to go 2-1 up with a SUPERB lob by Callum Willock who was by far the best player for Crawley today.

The game was spoilt by the refadwarf or as he should be known the Referee. Nobody could see him so he decided to mar the game with lots of booking's and a late ref for Broadhurst. He didn't want to leave the broadfield as he decided to add 6 minutes of injury time. We get the Old trafford treatment too eh.

Oh well Oxford away Tuesday and a chance to see how well Crawley can do this season. 100% effort and we can't ask for more.

RED ARMY !

Night At The Wombles

2009-09-26T10:53:00.000-07:00

Well so I'm told we drew 1-1. But the result wasn't what made AFC Wimbledon away. The superb following and vocal support was the best its been in recent years for a club who have been through so much.

Singing throughout the game, a quick break of Red Army happened thanks to a deflected free Kick from Louis which sent the Crawley fans into ecstacy.

Other then that not much to say - Spent too much of the night concentrating on the singing rather then the game.

RED ARMYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

It's a game of 2 Halves.

2009-09-14T06:16:00.000-07:00

Well after an expensive weekend in York, up next for the reds was Altrincham. No travel by the supporters club was again provided so I spent 3 days trying to find a lift. Luckily found one to save around £70 on train fares alone. 5 of us set off from Crawley around 9.30 nice and squeezed up in the car. Off up nooorth we go.

Arriving in Altrincham just after 2 we managed to get a bit lost (Thanks to the Sat Nav) so we ask a local.

Driver "Excuse me mate, Do you know where Altrincham FC is ?"

Local "Yes" - Goes silent.

So bloody helpful these bloody northeners. Just hunting for their next gravy fix.

As for the ground, Managed to be the first one in and the nice for once to have a cheapish away end at £13. Go in and sample a nice meat & potato pie (Then another !)

First half Crawley were shooting towards the away end, The following 21 Reds were housed on the open roofed terrace in the great sunshine being given a treat of brilliant football. Its some of the best football Crawley have played for a long time, great passing movements and using the wings very very well. Charlie spurned our best chance going one on one with the keeper but pushing it too wide. No real efforts on target before or after but Quinny managed to hit the post with a very strong header from a corner. It was a wierd experiance for the travelling fans as we seemed to have a referee on our side for once !

0-0 Half time

Second half was a totally different game as Crawley changed their play and reverted to their favorite long ball game :( It let Altrincham back into the game and they outplayed us throughout the second half as we offered no threat of goalscoring. Alty spurned numerous chances as Crawley tried to break them down using the lump it technique. The one decent attack of the half from Crawley sent Willock through into the box who touched it forward only to be taken out by one of their defenders. Up stepped Thomas Pinualt. The chance to make it 1-0 late on AND he missed it. Poor corner, Not alot of power and an easy height for the keeper. Late on the game was spoiled a bit with a horrific challege studs up in the mid region on Sam Rents. Luckily he was fine.

Full time - 0-0.

So the way home begins, Easy 3 1/2 hour journey home and time for a kebab and match of the day.

Lovely.

Problems at the Broadfield ?

2009-08-31T18:12:00.000-07:00

Crawley 1-4 Gateshead - Crawley 1-1 Grays

Well the last 2 home games have been pretty woeful. After our away day at Cambridge its fair too say the fans could expect a little bit but both times the loyal fans have been dissapointed with how the team is playing.

Is it the players ? I think not, And I think the tactics the team are told to play too are wrong.

Gateshead - The first of our 2 lessons. Towering centre back and a well organised line up, We decide not to try and break them down but launch the ball long for most of the match to see if we can beat the massive defender. What a suprise we couldn't and we were punished time after time. Its dissapointing to have a striker over 6ft in Jefferson Louis who cannot jump for a ball to save his life. Ultimately it was the tactics of our manager who cost us this game.

Grays - Yet again we employed the long ball game, We got our goal then seemed to sit back on it. A terrible second half performance made worse with the constant long ball that wasn't working and a simply poor Grays team making Crawley look like relegation candidates. I would say its down to the tactics and they need to be changed, But will they ? I doubt it. Its dissapointing but I'm glad that Evans took some flak this weekend for his part in the shocking decisions made for the games.

The Clubs TTT (Triple Terrace Ticket) offer clearly didn't work but that will teach the club for doing things in a rush. The dissapointing thing is we have played 6 times so far this season with Luton away up next and we are constantly told about the good football. Well where has it been ? We haven't played anywhere near as good at home as we did last year and if we are going to get anywhere we need to.

I think the problems lie within the coaching and tactics. We have the right team, I have no doubt about it.

Things can only get better, Can't they ?

Cambridge Taught Lesson By Reds

2009-08-19T03:16:00.000-07:00

Due to it being my 18th on sunday, And being heavily intoxicated monday night, a trip to promotion favorites Cambridge on the tuesday can only be good. Can't it ?

After deciding the car was the best route to go in my hungover state I was picked up at just after 3 for the journey. Easy way no traffic that was expected and we park just opposite the Abbey stadium at half 5. Lovely.

After a quick stop in a Thai restauraunt we wandered down the road for a pint. £3.40 a pint :O Shocking and safe to say we didn't stay in their long. Back off down the road to the chippy where a nice cheap dinner was in order. It didn't dissapoint. So at just before 7 we wandered down the road to the ground. After refusing to pay a £1 to go in their bar we decided to go up to the away end and we were one of the first few there. After being told of the £15 entrance fee we were pretty annoyed to find out it had suddenly gone up to £18, Im sure thats because we are everyones favorite club. Luckily the woman on the gate couldn't count and only charged everyone £17.

Another visit to a massive plastic seated stand, Something becoming all too normal in the conference. Not good !

As for the game, It was played under a fantastic atmosphere from the Cambridge fans loud until the end. If only we could have something like that :( It was a very topsy turvy game with both teams being good on the counter attack. The only goal came from great work of Ademeno and smith to get the ball through to Cook who's composure was fantastic to delay enough to make Potter commit and then chip the ball over him into the net. Get in !!!!!

Second half we were pretty much pitched up in our own half, Breaking after every few attempts on our goal. We had chances with Ademeno again playing out of this world and causing problems, Even hitting the post twice. Causing pain to the away fans who just couldn't take the constant pressure and the continuous miss of chances.

In the end we held out, a deserved win for the reds and 9 points out of 12. Not to shabby.

Credit to the head control of Evans, I couldn't bring down a ball like he did after having it punted straight at his face. Good aim by Carden who managed to do jack all up until that point !

And well done the Crawley bus driver, Who managed to knock down a wall at the Abbey. They didn't like us anyway, Now they will definitley remember us.

The Blog is Back - The Season Is Back - CRAWLEY ARE BACK :D

Money Money Money

2009-07-31T04:50:00.000-07:00

Well in the last week Crawley have finally made money on their players. After years of teams taking our players on a free, Crawley have finally been able to make some serious money on players. In these days with premiership team paying totally stupid money for players it's good to see teams still pay good prices for young players from the non league.

Danny Mills and Romone Mcrae have both left to join Peterborough. Both young players who have yet to make an impact in the Crawley first team. Good sales from our point of view with around £30K made for each player, Plus a series of fantastic clauses which mean we could make some serious money in the future.

Jake Wright :( Sadly last year's player of the season has left us for the seaside. Brighton have snapped up without doubt one of the best players outside the football league. For a fee believed to be around £150,000 it has helped Crawley Town with their finances for years to come.

Lets hope that we can replace our players with quality, Because with a good season this year and the money saved over the club should be safe for the next few years.

2 Games In Under 24 Hours

2009-07-26T05:35:00.000-07:00

Friday

Well it was without doubt a busy weekend of football for me, And it finished in great results.

Friday night, The "Big" one. Brighton at home, The sussex derby and this is one friendly that to me anyway actually meant something. We always want to beat Brighton. Arrive at the ground early to put up a few flags and dish our the brand new CrawleyDevils polo shirts then off to the bar. Seems quiet but think nothing of it, But alot of Brighton fans were around. We enter the ground about 7.30 to get something to eat and to my suprise the ground is very empty in the home ends with Brighton more then likely making up around half of the crowd which was just over 950. The game itself Crawley dominated for large spells of the game but couldn't break through during the first half.

The second half was wholesale changes for Brighton but still with a very strong squad of players most would have expected them to do well. Personally nobody from the Albion line up stood out for me. Rightfully the better team got the break through, Charles Ademeno with some hard work, And great strength one the ball in the corner and at the second attempt had the ball in the net for a fantastic goal. Delight for the Crawley fans in the ground and a win over Brighton was in sight !

Brighton pushed to try and get back into the match but failed against the strong Crawley defence. Crawley Town 1-0 Brighton & Hove Albion

Saturday

Its Saturday and yet again football is back. Bognor Regis away, Which me and one other decided on going at around 2 o'clock in the morning. Up around 10.30 and off to the shops to get the bus to the train station, It seemed against me already as the bus was late which indeed meant we missed the train we wanted to get ! No worries, They were running every half an hour. We planned a little detour to get to Bognor quicker, Horsham>Barnham>Bognor. This plan worked which also included a nice bacon and cheese roll in the cafe. We arive in Bognor around half 1 and the journey to stadium to the ground began, As we didn't know where to go it was just follow where people told us too. We arrived at the ground at about 1.50 paid £5 to get in and in we go. Lovely day, Nice open ground and a the first team out which made the journey a bit more worthwhile. As some prick decided it was a good idea to burn down Bognor's club house they were currently rebuilding it but we were told we could use the sports club next door. So round the ground we go into the sports bar. The bar was also home to Bognor Regis Cricket Club so we were able to watch a bit of Cricket before the game.

Back in the ground and as the teams come out we see that we are playing pretty much a full first team. Almost looks like a training match with last years kit on and the players not looking very up for it. As the game starts Bognor are without doubt the better team. Playing some very good football and opening up the inexperianced defence. Jordan kept us in the match with some fantastic saves. Bognor continued to press our goal and came very close but the bar this time saving the Reds. The main action point of the first half, Was what seemed to be a falling out between J-Lo and Evans. This resulting in Louis quickly being subbed. Half time - 0-0.

The teams came out second half and Crawley started much brighter scoring very early on. Chris Giles slotted a great header into the bottom corner after just 3 minutes of the second half to put the Reds 1-0 up. Straight away Crawley continued to push and just 2 minutes later Crawley were awarded a free kick on the edge of the area. This time J-lo was allowed it, A very powerful free kick that the keeper couldn't hold onto was followed up by Mikey Malcolm to put the ball into the back of the net. From here Crawley seemed to settle down and make more changes. Bognor did pull one back with about 15 minutes to go but couldn't break down the defence again.

Bognor Regis Town 1-2 Crawley Town

Back To The Broadfield !

2009-07-19T07:04:00.000-07:00

Well according to the local papers, The town was buzzing in anticipation for the visit of the Chelsea XI. Where they got that info from I haven't got a clue.

Fans were told for months about the massive crowd due and tickets almost sold out, Even told at a fans forum a month ago that Tickets were selling well. Most fans didn't buy it, and come saturday afternoon they were proved right. As I expected no where near a sell out, Just 2300 turned up to watch the game. Massive dissapointment for the club after all the, quite honestly crap hype they span on it.

As for the game, It was fairly even both teams playing passing football. Sadly Premiership football still showed at the ground with our boys not being able to tackle a Blue shirt without a foul being given, But Chelsea players being able to get away with some quite nasty tackles.

I can't really explain much about the goals, I can't remember them due to enjoying more of a happier atmosphere behind the goal with our group. A decent atmosphere on a rather boring pre season day.

Although the most important fact of the day, Crawley are back !

So It Starts Again - Morton Away

2009-07-14T05:31:00.000-07:00

Since Histon at home over 2 months ago, Its been naff. No football (CTFC of Course) to watch and I've had to watch the gutless performance of the England u21's and crappy Uefa games. The whole time waiting for the 13th of July, For the day we were back in action up in Scotland Vs Morton.

So the morning begins early, Awoken by my alarm at 4.30am. Up I get knowing my flight from Gatwick is just 3 hours away, The excitment had already kicked in. Getting the bus up to gatwick the tiredness is overpowered by my eagerness to get to Scotland for the game. My heart drops as I see the size of the queue at Gatwick for the easyjet check in's. A good 2 hour wait and I only had 45 minutes to check in. Mmmmm What to do, Well I did what any fan would do, Wait till the staff were not looking and cut most of the cue. Nearer to the front but as the time was ticking on I thought I wasn't going to make it. Luckily I checked in just 3 minutes before it closed and through the gates I went :). To my frustration the fun went on, Bag searched, Im searched then they decide to test my bag and items for drugs. To their suprise they found nothing and on I went to the gate. Jumped on the bus to the plane. 35 minutes late, phase 1 begins. I'm off to Glasgow.

After just over an hour of flying, Which Included a great bacon roll I had arrived at Glasgow international. Where you meet the rip off taxi drivers. £21 to go to my hotel just 10 minutes away, Sadly no other taxis go through Glasgow airport and I had no other way of doing it. I arrive at the guest house I am staying where to my relief they let me in early to have some sleep. I meet up with the rest of the Crawley fans who had travelled half way through the day for some very cheap beer in the Weatherspoons just outside Morton. Then off to the supporters bar of Morton. Its open but theres nobody there, A Sign of the night ahead ?

We arrived at the ground about 7, I started as I mean to go on by again gaining entry to a ground as a child ! The game to my suprise was segregated, And I think it was good because it was an unknown situation for most. We were in the seated stand and taken to the far end. Good view from there.

The game itself seemed to be fairly even and Morton took the lead. Bit of a shock to the steward standing next to us who loved to tell us of how poor Morton usually are. As the game went on the rain came down and Crawley struggled to find a way through and at half time, Crawley were trailing 1-0.

The second half seemed to be more of a 1 sided affair with Crawley having most of the game. Until against the run of play Crawley gifted Morton their second goal with some awful defending. This goal left me thinking if my money was being totally wasted. This goal seemed to spur Crawley onto better things and finally got a goal after some great build up play. It eventually finished with Glenn Wilson crossing a lovely ball and Lewis Killeen putting the ball into the net from a great diving header. Crawley were back in the game.

Crawley from here dominated the game, But had to be careful defending due to the linesman being injured and not actually moving at all. Crawley pushed on and got the second goal to level the match after great play from Ademeno left him with a great poachers chance to level up the game, which he took. 2-2

Crawley really pushed on for the winner and the small band of travelling fans were over the moon when much to the dislike of the "Ton" fans Ademeno tapped in the 3rd goal to send the sussex side ahead for the first time in the match.

Although Morton tried they couldn't break down an in form Crawley defence and in front of 407 fans the game ended Greenock Morton 2-3 Crawley Town.

Fair play to the Morton fans who were brilliant and most shook hands of the small band of travelling Crawley fans.

Back off to the hotel we went, Most tired from the long weekend and me totally shattered from the very long day. We all decided on a early night.

The game was fantastic, And the trip was a great day out.

In the end well worth the money, And whats the best part ?

FOOTBALL IS BACK :)

10 Days To Go

2009-07-03T10:08:00.000-07:00

Today the fixtures were released for the 2009/10 conference season. Mansfield away first game. Well I'm sure we all hoped for a different game, Nothing exciting about travelling there and its a long one to rub it in. Lets just hope we take a decent number of fans and for once have a good opening day.

First home game of FGR again is nothing exciting but with our squad the run of home games at the start of the season should be good and give us a good boost to go into the rest of the year.

Well today means it's just 10 days till the first game of pre-season. Greenock Morton away, Personally I'm all booked up ready to go and cannot wait. The last 2 months have been hard without football, The slow news of players has helped but will never replace the buzz of a football weekend.

We have a great squad this year, Signings such as Ademeno and Cogan as well as keeping our better players from last year means we are in for a great season.

Cannot wait.

10 days and counting !

Goal Fest Ends Season

2009-04-28T01:19:00.000-07:00

Well the 26th of april, The end of another season and our visitors to end the season Histon. Our guests had made the play-offs and we had finished 9th so it was a nothing game.

For the last time of the season the teams come out, The Crawley team come out to a small display by the CrawleyDevils with a banner "Thank You For A Super Season".

As the first half goes on, Somehow Crawley manage to get worse. Midway through the first half we find ourselves 2-0 down. Soon after comical defending as Crawley players trip over themselves and let Histon straight through the middle to make the game 3-0. Leaving alot of Crawley fans disgusted at the team, Half time it was Crawley 0-3 Histon.

Second half, and the team look like they actually want it and they play the better football. Then Jamie Cook breaks through into the box, The Histon keeper Naisbitt comes to meet him Cook goes round him and is then brought down. PENALTY and a red card for Histon Goalkeeper Naisbitt. Jamie Cook steps up, and its in, the comeback is on 1-3.

Crawley continue to push and a conversation behind the goal leads to someone beside me deciding we should get rid of Micheal Malcolm as he is not good enough, As he says that Malcolm leaps abover the last defender and buries his header into the bottom right corner of the goal. Great finish, Maybe he will be wanted to stay afterall !

A new belief is round the ground and the atmosphere builds up and a great support for the team is heard.

Then with around 10 minutes to go there is a scramble in the box, Jon Shaw makes it to the ball first and its poked into the back of the net. Crawley have done it they have pulled it back from 3-0 down at half time to 3-3 and they are not done.

Crawley continue to push Histon to get the winner but its not to be, and at the end of a fantastic second half crawley have pulled it back much to the delight of the Crawley fans.

A big thank you to the Crawley players who have given the fans many ups and downs, And for coming over to shake hands of the fans who continued to sing after the final whistle.

Final score - Crawley Town 3-3 Histon

The weekend that was - Barrow Away

2009-04-20T08:55:00.000-07:00

Well saturday was indeed the longest journey of the season. 700 mile round trip split into 2 days

Leaving at 6am is horrible in any case, But when your ill as well it makes it really bad. Well after struggling through being freezing cold and coughing most of the way we made it to a very warm Barrow.

Straight to the bar, Where i met up with 2 of the Ultras Barrovia. Quick drink and off to the game. I enter the ground, Another ground where I have managed to get away with it as a child, This time it was as an under 15. Straight away to see its non segregated. Didn't seem that bad at first.

As the teams come out the Ultras Barrovia put on a display designed to poke fun at Crawley's manager. I found it amsuing as did others around me. Everyone has their own view on Crawley's manager.

Crawley played the first half very well, Can't comment much on the first goal as I was getting a drink and I only saw the ball hit the back of the net. 1-0 Jamie Cook.

Second goal I was again unlucky, As I had nipped to the toilet as I come out Cookie is running up to the ball to take a penalty. Good finish and were 2-0 up.

Barrow AFC 0-2 Crawley Town

Second half starts, and were behind the goal in the mix with the Barrow fans. Barrow scored very quickly after the whistle went due to Crawley looking like they had changed the way they were going to play. Second goal came not to long after, Again due to Crawley not playing anywhere near as well as the first half.

With this I get quite annoyed so decide to sit down in the sun and watch the game. Crawley slowly come back into the game. While on an attack I decide to stand up, As I then look over again Rankin is just hitting the ball in the net, And I miss the cross. Guess it was my day for great build up's then !!!

As this goal goes in the becomes very uncomfortable in the end we are, With Racism directed at our goalscorer.

As the game goes on Barrow start to power back into the game and the crowd gets behind them. 4 minutes of injury time go up. 2 minutes into this Barrow break forward and do what we all thought would happen. Barrow score, Another tap in for the Barrow team and the ground erupts.

Barrow AFC 3-3 Crawley Town

90% of Barrow fans were a pleasure to meet, But plenty of people in the Barrow element who don't belong at football. Throughout the game abusing the women followers of Crawley, and verbally abusing others. While plenty of others weren't to happy on us having the freedom of the ground. Oh well.

As for the night, Off to Morecambe we went. Back on the coach to the hotel. Quick stop in the room of getting freshened up and putting on some smart clothes and were off out again. Group of 7 done the rounds of a few pubs and found a brilliant little pub to drink in. Cheap beer, Lovely heated beer garden and the local for a girl with the BIGGEST BOOBS I have ever seen. Lots of beer later its back to the hotel for more.

Couple more drinks and a chat, and its bed time.

Sunday

Sunday begins early, As were all up for breakfast at 8.30. Not the greatest of food but it was still something to start the day. Packed up our clothes and back on the coach for 9.30 and the journey home. Quite a nice journey, Mixed with sleep and games.

After a stop at the services we had a couple of hours to travel home. This was full of talk about the ever annoying malcolm's sex life. Oh the fun.

Great weekend.

Crawley Ruin Torquay Hopes !

2009-04-12T04:13:00.000-07:00

On a lovely summers day in Devon Crawley ruined Torquays chances of catching leaders Burton with a fantastic 2-0 win at Plainmoor.

The day for most Crawley fans started early, As the supporters left the stadium at 6am. For 2 of us the day never started as we had not been to sleep the night before so it was one long day leaving our house at 4.45 in the morning to walk to the stadium. After a long journey and a couple of stops we arrive at Plainmoor and enter the bar around 12.15. It was good to get their early as all drinks are cheaper before 1'oclock :)

Me and one other enter the ground at 2.15 and pay just £6 after again telling them im younger than I am. We put a few flags up and then enjoyed the sunshine. Only let down of Plainmoor was the no smoking. Although a massive area behind stadium is uncovered. Also wouldn't let us out the ground to have one.

The teams come out into the sunshine to the singing of 7 barmy Crawley fans and bout 40 others dotted around the away end.

Crawley started the game well and it was a fair half, Crawley probably shading it but no real clear cut chances. around 40 minutes Crawley got their first when a cross from Jamie Cook was met by Dannie Bullman and the ball hit the net to the delight of the Crawley fans.

1-0 Half time - This half time had alot more interest then the first half. Torquay's ground staff had soaked the opposite end of the ground to make it slippy for Crawley keeper Simon Raynor. The 4th official had noticed this and the groundsman who had already had an altercation with a Crawley fan was told to water the other goal mouth. He done this but as soon as the 4th official turned round the water went off. By now the other goal mouth was waterlogged and the teams were on the pitch. The ref delayed the start of the game as the Torquay goal mouth needed to be watered and the Crawley end needed to be sweeped as by now it was waterlogged. After 5 minutes of confusion the game restarted.

Second half the chances for Crawley were few and far between as Torquay put the pressure on knowing they needed the win to keep their automatic promotion hopes alive. On the hour Torqauy made all 3 subs bringing on 2 strikers to really put the pressure on. Crawley were struggling and fantastic last ditch defending and Simon Raynor in world class form kept Crawley in the game.

Towards the end it was all Torquay and our box was constantly flooded by the United players. Then 2 minutes into injury time Cookie and Matthews break away sprint up the pitch its 2 v 1 in our favour Cookie players the ball to his left, Matthews is one on one with the keeper and GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL
Its in and the Crawley end goes mad as the game is now safe.

Fantastic end to the pressure.

Cracking Game

Good atmosphere from the Crawley fans although not many of us - Torquay in spells were loud but for most part of the game in a ground like that they should have been able to make more noise, Or alternate their songs. Good amount of people though and glad they all left dissapointed.

Torquay United 0-2 Crawley Town

WERE THE BLUE AND WHITE ARMY !

Youth Side Show Huge Promise

2009-04-12T03:57:00.000-07:00

On good Friday (Nothing good about it horrible cold & wet weather) Crawley's youth team side hosted Boreham Wood at the broadfield stadium knowing a point or more would see them crowned champions.

The day for the youth side didn't really start out well as the game was delayed almost 2 hours as Boreham wood had failed to arrive and when they did, What a shock. It looked like a poor school team, No manager could be seen the team was awful and had no leadership at all.

Crawley showed their dominance from start to finish, and it was suprising that the young Reds only managed to get 4 goals.

Some real talent on show though, and a very good match for the 332 fans who watched it.

Lets hope these are the players for the future.

Crawley Town U19's 4-0 Boreham Wood

Crawley Town Crowned Champions

Top Of The League, Your Having A Laugh !!!!!!!

2009-04-04T10:36:00.000-07:00

Well with Crawley's play off hopes pretty much over today was a chance to throw a spanner in the works of the Burton promotion drive.

A very warm day to play football in and the players come onto the pitch to a great reception from the home faithful.

The game kicks off and about 100 Crawley fans swap ends to be behind the goal. The atmopshere is great from the start and we are rewarded early with a great flick header from Chris giles !

Crawley continued to push forward and were rewarded for their efforts when Darren Stride brought down Giles in the box and Crawley gained a penalty. For his efforts Stride was rewarded with a red card. After waiting for Poole to get on his line Jamie Cook stepped up and smashed the ball into the roof of the net to send the Crawley fans wild yet again.

Crawley continued to push on but couldn't gain anything more from the first half and a great performance led to a 2-0 lead at half time.

Second half was all change, Crawley came out and played some shocking football and the half was only made good by 1 fantastic finish and another great finish towards the end.

Danny Forrest produced the goal of the game, After skinning the left back he produced a wonderful curling shot to the opposite of the keeper and it curled right into the corner of the net. Which had the whole Crawley team running to celebrate with him.

Towards the end Crawley sealed day with a 4th with a great finish from Lewis Killen.

A good number of Burton fans travelled including the most Hideous Woman I have ever seen in my life. For a team top of the league, Thought a few more may have travelled and a bit more noise made. But seeing your team get torn apart can't have helped !

As for the Crawley faithful, No point in saying poor attendence because it was average for us. Another 900 Crawley fans but yet again supported their team as loud as they could. Another good atmosphere.

Its nearing the end of the season now, The worst part of the year. Lets hope Crawley can finish the season on a high.

Crawley Town 4-0 Burton Albion

Sussex Derby Ends In Defeat

2009-04-02T08:43:00.000-07:00

Crawley V Eastbourne one of the biggest derby's in the world. Easily matching Inter Milan V AC and Barcelona V Real Madrid.

Arriving at the ground at 7 our fans are are told straight away to go into the ground as we are segregated and can go nowhere else, Trouble expected eh ?

Eastbourne must have underestimated how many Crawley would travel as at 7.15 the cue for the food was a good 30 long and they were running out of food. After 25 minutes in the cue I finally got food at it was neally kick off !

Out come the teams and here it is the sussex derby !

Crawley's team come out at an away game to singing (Very suprising for the away fans) and the chats of Blue Army get louder each go.

First half not very much to talk about as it was pretty even and again if Crawley had a decent striker we would have no doubt scored but the Crawley faithful stayed supportive throughout with fantastic backing to their side.

Second half and within 40 seconds Crawley are 1-0 down. A looping headers goes towards goal and our keeper makes no attempt to save it. Fantastic !

It even wakes up the Eastbourne fans for about 2 minutes while they sing, Shock !

The game goes on but Crawley continue to struggle due to the lack of effort shown from the players and everyone could see it coming Eastbourne score again. Yet again a keeper error as he steams out of his box and doesn't manage to get the ball. Top job.

Credit goes to the Crawley faithful who continue to show backing to their side throughout which only seemed to be getting louder !

After their second goal the game changed and Crawley seemed to take control of the game. More poor finishing ends up with Crawley failing to test their goalkeeper.

From a corner (Literally) Crawley pulled 1 back. A straight drilled corner gets a flick from the near post and sails into the net.

Crawley really gained control of the game from here but more awful finishing leads to Crawley failing to gain a second.

The game showed that:

Most of the player do not care about the club
Evans picks the wrong players in the wrong positions and has the wrong tactics
Eastbourne fans are quiet until they score when for 5 minutes they are loud
Crawley do have passionate fans and can sing at an away game, For 90 minutes too !!!!

Eastbourne 2-1 Crawley Town
Eastbourne Fans 0-1 Crawley Fans !

Outsung at home tut tut !

BLUE ARMY !

Alty Score 60 Yard Strike As Crawley Claim A Draw

2009-03-28T16:53:00.000-07:00

Just a week after Crawley's fantastic win at Wrexham the Red's were on the road again, This time a trip to Altrincham in Manchester.

Yet again we set off at 8am for the long trip ahead of us.

Arriving at the pub next to the ground at 12.45, It was perfect to grab some lunch and have a few pints. Spirit was high for the Crawley fans after the win at Wrexham pushed us back into the the play-off race. We all knew what was expected of Crawley today.

The Crawley players run onto the pitch with another good away support behind them (Thanks again to Jake Wright's family for making our away support alot better) and from the off Crawley struggle. It was a shadow of the performance we saw at Wrexham.

1-0 down. A howler by keeper Simon Rayner as he is way to far off his line and Micheal Welch of Alty chips our keeper from around 60 yards (Thats in his own half) and scores the opening goal of the game. Yet another mistake.

1-1. Crawley level the game within 5 minutes A well worked Crawley build up led to a cross from the right hand side and Rankin swinging a leg to get the ball in the back of the net to level the game up.

Half Time

2-1 Down. Another mistake looks likely as Rayner fails to judge a cross which leaves an easy chance for the Alty player as he slammed home the goal to put Alty ahead.

From here on Altrincham were the better side. They pushed the game and Crawley struggled to find away around the part time outfit.

Rankin misses a glorious chance deciding to try and place the ball from 2 yards instead of smashing it into the net.

2-2. Up pops Glenn Wilson to show Rankin how its done. Wilson beats the offside trap and smashes the ball home from no more then a couple of yards leaving the goalkeeper helpless and the Crawley fans estatic.

Its another point gained but can't help thinking its 2 lost.

All or nothing now tuesday, 3 points is a must.

All to Eastbourne then.

Crawley Do The Double Over Wales

2009-03-22T07:43:00.000-07:00

Saturday the 21st of march, Crawley's first visit to play Wrexham at the racecourse ground.

I wake up at 6.15 knowing of the long day ahead of me. Get dressed and make sure I have what I need for the day ahead. Taxi to the stadium and I'm ready for the trip.

On the coach and off we leave at 8am. The journey begins. Everyone on the coach was in the same situation everyone's tired and the first couple of hours are quiet as most sleep. We arrive at the Toll services for a quick spot. The toll is full of fans from West ham and to a lesser extent Southampton. Having chatted to both sets it seems like alot of fans are jealous of the conference and the non league, Mainly due to atmosphere, Terracing and prices. Have to say I would agree with them, The non league is the place to be. After a 30 minute stop were on our way again.

Just before 12 we arrive at a nice small pub about 30 minutes away from Wrexham. Nice quiet place where a buffet has been put on for us. Lovely weather makes the stop more enjoyable as we all sit in the beer garden. Just as were leaving we can see a great free kick hit the net from Everton. Off we set yet again, This time next stop and were there.

The signs start to sound strange and in the end become unreadable and then we know we have hit Wales. In the distance we can see the ground, And the closer you get the better it looks. We pull up by the ground and its huge, From the outside it looks like a championship ground very modern. But funnily enough most Crawley fans noticed the funny looks we were getting from the natives, Its as if we were all green.

We are directed to the away end and told we can use the club bar if we want, Another great piece of information (From the steward) was that we can't leave to smoke but just smoke in the toilets as nobody will come and check. Fantastic ! I had my ticket over, Just £10 for a 16-21 year old ticket. I enter the ground and straight away all you can see is wall. Climb the steps to the away end and to be honest at first glance the stadium is awsome, Very big ground with digital score board. At close looking its not in the greatest of states. The terracing behind the goal is not used as its not safe. The seats in the away end are all discoloured and falling apart. The seats in the home end to our right are all discoloured and it doesn't look the best. But opposite us is a fantastic modern looking stand. Looks fit to hold any level of football. Brand new seats, fantastic looking build and clear executive boxes (£500 to use and you must pay for the bar) so thats a total rip off.

The teams come out from below our stand into the sunshine and the to the roar of the Wrexham fans to our right. The game begins and the fans to our right are bouncing.
The game is great from a Crawley point of view, Wrexham are awful and Crawley are dominating them from the mistakes. 1-0 and the ground Wrexham fans go silent, Rankin has scored his first goal from a diving header and sent the small army of travelling Crawley fans wild.
Crawley continue to pressure Wrexham. The welsh back 4 look dodgy the 2 wide midfielders can't find a pass and the strikers couldn't break down the Crawley defense. It was looking good. Then a awful mistake by Wrexham, The keeper roles it out to the centre back who is not watching Dannie Bullman runs to take the ball off him passes across to Robbie Matthews who sends the ball into the bottom corner to again send the travelling support wild ! Great signs all around the ground for Crawley as the home fans are now booing the team.

At half time, It was Wrexham 0-2 Crawley.

The teams come onto the pitch for the second half as the Crawley fans hope for more and the Wrexham fans hope for a pass actually going to another player. The game kicks off and this half is more of an even one. Wrexham have chances but nothing that Rayner couldn't handle mostly straight at him. Wrexham time after time making mistakes, and struggling to contain giant Robbie Matthews down the other end. The closest Wrexham get is hitting the bar.

Fantastic performance from Crawley and they win comfortably and take the 3 points away from Wales.

The day was made complete as we watched 2 Wrexham fans run as fast as they could away from the coach as a tubby policeman got out of his car, anyone would think he had pointed a gun.

Off we go and the journey is very enjoyable, Crawley winning, United losing yet again and Chelsea losing at home.

Wales lose again this time in the rugby, and England even managed to pick up a win over the scots.

Great day out and well worth the money. Even back in Crawley at 10pm in time to catch the end of a great local band !

Wrexham 0-2 Crawley Town

Crawley Blow Last Chance

2009-03-17T16:50:00.000-07:00

Well tonight in most fans mind was the last chance of making this season a winning one.

Southern area semi-final of the Setanta shield/League cup/Micky mouse cup. Crawley's last chance of winning a trophy this season.

The club made this game free to all fans and it drew in just over 800, But made a major mistake running out of chips leaving alot of the young crowd without food.

As for the game a very weak Ebbsfleet side lined up against a full strength Crawley town. We started the much better side and generally had control of the first half. After alot of pressure Crawley scored their only goal from close range. Winning at half time most fans thought this form would continue to the second half.

Well couldn't be more wrong. A different side showed second half with a total lack of passion and commitment to the club. Ebbsfleet changed the game and looked like they wanted it more. This lead to the shock amongst Crawley fans as the team let the 1 goal lead slip to a 2-1 defeat and yet another loss to Ebbsfleet.

What made it worse was Crawley threw away the best chance of getting to a final without much effort.

The so called fantastic season has pretty much ended.

Another mid table finish
Another season without a trophy
Another season of fans not knowing whats going on, and dissapointed.

How long with some fans loyalty last ?

Personally mine won't end.

Crawley Town Football Club - Addiction not choice.

Crawley 1-2 Ebbsfleet United

Poor Finishing Lets Us Down, Yet Again !

2009-03-14T11:35:00.000-07:00

Since waking up this morning I had been looking forward to this game. It's the game that would decide if we had a chance in the play-off race or not. Only a win would do.

While driving to the ground still optomistic Crawley would pull a result out of the bag. Arrive in plenty of time to see the 3rd Liverpool goal go in, and see them score the 4th before I went into the ground. That made the start of the Crawley game a happy one for me.

2.55 I enter the ground, Looking around it was empty yet again. Hopes of getting over 1000 today were clearly out of the window. Crawley decide to kick towards the away end first half. So most Crawley fans go down to the other end to use our part of the segregation. Its a poor turnout but the atmosphere is loud from the start. The people who were at the game were in full voice for this one.

The first 45 minutes were 50-50 with niether team managing to gain a stronghold into the game. Rushden playing very well on the counter but not coping with Crawley attacking down the middle. It was a half of very few chances due to Crawley not creating as much as they usually do. Didn't notice much of the game though as the banter between the 2 sets of fans was great.

Second half back in our normal end, The atmosphere was still good. Crawley were much the better side in the second half but still not being able to test the keeper in making a save. The best chance we had was hitting the corner of bar and post. Much of the ball was spent in the rushden half but our strikers not able to pick out any sort of short to test Roberts who was a fantastic sport with the home fans.

On balance of the game a draw was probably a fair result, But from a Crawley point of view its 2 points dropped and the end of our play off hopes. 9 games to go only we need a minimum of 20 points to stand a chance.

Att: Just under 800 poor yet again.

Crawley 0-0 Rushden & Diamonds

Reds Get What They Deserve = Nothing

2009-03-11T11:04:00.000-07:00

Kiddy away hardly the most pulling of away games but I arrive at the stadium at 2.45 to jump on the minibus. Nice back seat in the corner so I get some privacy and don't have to listen to chats around me or have the cricket in my ear.

The journey begins so I put the Ipod on and start reading "The Names Bill Gardener" great book.

The journey isn't that bad and within a couple of hours we stopped at a lovely little pub for a drink and something to eat. Nice quiet pub.

We leave the pub at 7 and just 15 minutes later we are at the ground. Managed to again blag on the gate and pay the under 15 price of £5 instead of £13. £2.50 for a good programme and time to yet again test out the fantastic food Kiddy have on offer. Lots to choose from - Chicken Curry - Roast Pork Bap - Sausage & Mash - as well as huge burgers.

Sausage & mash for £3.50 was fantastic value and was more like a dinner then football food. Can't complain though.

As for the game, Nothing can be said. Not 1 shot on target not 1 fantastic move or anything worth talking about.

Strange tactics chosen by the manager, Dropping our best midfielder to the bench for an unfit defender to play in midfield. So wise !

Weatherstone yet again awful but is kept on the whole game.

Our most dangerous threat in Jon Shaw taken off for Rankin :(

Strange tactics, Awful performance.

15 Crawley fans there, Almost laughable.

Back in Crawley by 1am which went alot quicker seeing as the whole way home I slept.

Another away game done.

Kiddy 2-0 Crawley

Play-off dreams still alive !!

2009-03-08T10:42:00.000-07:00

Playing on a sunday confused my entire weekend, and found it strange making my way to the stadium mid afternoon.

All Crawley fans were hoping for a convincing win due to the troubles that Weymouth are suffering. Good luck to Weymouth and I hope they see it through but today our fans knew they were there for the taking.

The Crawley fans were in good spirt before the game as the segregation had been moved and our own fans could now go down to the other end of the ground. Seems the club have started listening to the fans.

The weather couldn't make up it's mind, and in the end the rain poured down and the game was underway. Crawley started brightly and within 6 minutes Santos Gaia powered a header into the goal and it seemed like it could be a rout. Errors at the back led to Weymouth's mixed team of Youth/Loans & trial players scoring their first goal due to a goalkeeping error. A cross from the right hand side went straight over the head of Rayner and it was 1-1.
Crawley kicked on from that set back and fantastic wing play resulted in Crawley's next 2 goals. While winning 3-1 it looked like the game was over and Crawley started to dominate the play. Weymouth gained a corner and YET ANOTHER flap by Rayner ended up him punching the ball the ball into his own net. Well done.
3-2 up at half time and the game could go either way.

Another first for a while as the home fans had to swap end's at half time.

Second half and the game was a let down, Crawley's wingers were fantastic but chance after chance went wide or over the bar. Easily over 10 chances waisted and it really should have been double figures. Weymouth failed to impress either, I'm sure the Weymouth fans were expecting more after the first half performance.
Towards the end Crawley started to relax a bit more and put the game to bed with the 4th goal and it was a fantastic goal by Lewis Killien.

901 another poor crowd, But another win and the play off dreams live on.

Kiddy away Tuesday is another game that could make or break our season.

At this time, My life really does revolve around CTFC

England 1-0 Wales

2009-03-04T03:44:00.000-08:00

Crawley V Wrexham - England V Wales - This game should have been a great game of football but was totally destroyed by the weather. Heavy rain throughout and high winds created havoc for both teams, As both sets of players were slipping all over the place and the high winds were taking the ball.

First half was none to remember, No real action at all apart from the Wrexham keeper not being able to stand still for more then 2 seconds.

Second half was better, The fans had got closer together and for the first time in a while we had atmosphere :-) Fantastic atmosphere it was too for most of the second half. Crawley sometime throughout the second half (The atmosphere had my attention and the game was only second on my list) scored the only goal of the game, And what a comical goal it was. From the home end all you can see is an overhead kick and in slow motion a ball flying through the air the keeper standing still and then the west stand cheering. It was a goal and a delayed reaction from the south stand caused confusion then it all went mad. Happy days.

Another poor attendence but with the weather as it was, Not suprised.

Again we play Thursday in the setanta sheild semi final - Oh how exciting :S

Crawley 1-0 Wrexham

Great day spoilt by whistle happy ref.

2009-03-01T06:59:00.000-08:00

This was the first saturday away game Crawley have had in over a month. It took its toll as all fans on the coach on the way up looked tired just a few minutes into the trip. Took just over 2 hours to get to the Abbey, which didn't feel so long while reading Cass Pennant.

We arrived and parked up at the closed Greyhound pub and then around 35 of us made our way through 2 fields. Quite a walk to the ground from there, and strange to have to go cow fields (No cows though)

When at the ground we were told we could go into the supporters club bar, but it would cost £1. Thought it was a bit of a rip off but i couldn't have been more wrong. A very nice club house with cheep drinks very freindly atmosphere and football on the telly.

Left the clubhouse at about 2.15 and walked back through the fields to the away end. Yet again my age changed and I was 15 and managed to blag it to pay just £5 to get in. Having been there already this season knew what to expect, nice warm food and nice hot drinks.

Confusion rained in my mind when I saw 5 goals in the seats behind the goal to our right hand side and 1 behind the packed Cambridge United end.

The teams come out and the Cambridge united end explodes into noise seems like the whole end is singing very very loud. But couldn't help but get annoyed with the pointless abuse of the multiple drums behind the other goal.

A few minutes into the game and we knew we up against it, 2 niggly fouls and strangely 2 bookings which confused most. As the game went on decision after decision went against us and we knew nothing would come our way. But against the run of play a flick header from Jon Shaw sent the small army of support from Crawley into raptures as they over to us to celebrate. Up stepped jobsworth stewards trying to push their weight around. Didn't work.

Half time, we are winning !

Second half and its more of the same, Foul after foul against us and most fans knew it was a matter of time before Cambridge got the one they needed to get one back. Towards the end it happened. A free kick on the edge of the box and most Crawley fans knew it would end up in the back of the net. They were right. Perfect free kick into the bottom corner of the next, The ground erupts into noise and is then rocking.

Soon after 6 minutes of injury time was another suprise to reds fans as nobody knew where this time had come from. Crawley managed to hold and it showed on the faces of our players each one of them shattered and could put up no more.

Very proud of our team up against a strong team and a bent ref.

Cambridge United 1-1 Crawley Town

Season Changes Without A Game

2009-02-27T06:26:00.000-08:00

Well the season has changed today and can only be for the better. Crawley Town have WON their appeal.

The fantastic new is we have had our deduction reduced from 4 points to just 1 point.

This means the clubs play - off challenge isn't badly hit and the season has been turned on it's head. Now the players have to buck their ideas up and show the fans what this club means to them and show pride in the red shirt of Crawley town football club.

Well done to the club on the appeal where I think the right legal outcome has been found, But not forgetting the fact we shouldn't be losing this point if the paperwork was done properly.

Fantastic news for the club and all its fans.

Can the club kick on from here ?

Lets hope so !

C'MON THE REDS !

Crawley send Lewes down the pan.

2009-02-24T15:07:00.000-08:00

Well it was the sussex derby so what was expected ? Amazing atmosphere, great turn out and a very very close game ?

Wrong.

600 people, Quiet stadium and a total drubbing for the away side.

Lewes were poor and at the game to make the numbers up. The fattest defender I've seen in this league and team made up of county league players.

2-0 up after 4 minutes and it looked as if Crawley could dish out a double figure score. But then they switched off and started playing the long ball game. Switched on again and hit 2 more to send us in at half time 4-0 up.

Lewes who hadn't scored for god knows how long didn't look like they had a chance. Then yet again Crawley let off the gas and managed to let the worst team in the league score. That put a downer on the long ball performance.

Adam Quinn hit a goal towards the end to make the score look great, But if the performance was better Crawley would/should have hit 10.

Its another 3 points to the tally, But friday is a big day for the play - off cause we lose the appeal and its over, Any win will help the cause.

Lets hope for the best.

Crawley 5-1 Lewes

Shocking, Woeful, Shambolic - The list goes on !

2009-02-21T09:53:00.000-08:00

Well today was honestly one of the worst performances I have seen from a Crawley Town team in a long time.

No indication today from 90% of our players that they cared about us today. Jake Wright and Dannie Bullman were the only 2 players who can claim any credit from today they give it their all for the entire game.

We played the better football for the first 10 minutes or so. But then it all went down hill. Our goalkeeper who makes no effort at all for the first 2 goals and then manage to let a goal in the far corner of his goal from an acute angle.

No real stand out for Crawley. Can't remember any goal action, Rankin is woeful. Not match fit and looks overweight by quite away. Puts Jamma to shame !

Positives from the game ? None

Negatives ? Well a poor crowd of 964 with not one bit of noise from the Crawley faitful. The fun really has been sucked out of this club.

Players swearing at fans after the game !
Our manager swearing at fans during the game !

What a family club we run.

Lewes at home Tuesday, Losing just isn't in the mind of Crawley fans. The conference whipping boys could really rally the Crawley fans into the first bit of togetherness for a long time.

Crawley Town 0-3 Salisbury City

What an awful day.

Great day out but team Havant got a clue.

2009-02-17T07:00:00.000-08:00

Well it was great to finally be at a game again and how I enjoyed everything apart from the football. 2 of us set off from Crawley at 5.44 and arrived at Havant station about 7.

The journey on the way up was easy enough and great value at just £9 return. Cheapest travel to this game ! Got to Havant and met up with another friend. So 3 of us left the station on our quest to find the ground. After being given information we were soon lost. 4 people, 30 minutes later and 1 cigarette down we were on the right track. We could see the lights, and then ended up in the middle of a housing estate. So thank you to the 4 Havant fans that took us with them to the stadium.

Was very nice when we got there, Nice little clubhouse and all fans were very welcoming. Just £5 to get in claiming I'm still a student and some very nice cheap food I was all set up for a great game. What a dissapointment that was. A very poor game for the neutral but from a Crawley point of view we were awful and deserved the defeat we got. Both halfs of football were poor but credit to the Havant fans who were vocally supportive throughout.

Handbags at half time with Crawley's loveable manager Steve Evans with an unknown member of the Havant staff. Still that couldn't dampen the celebrations of the Havant players and staff.

At half time it was nice to be allowed out to mingle in the clubhouse with the home fans. Looked like a nice place to be with a darts match going on in the background. Nice warm clubhouse nice facility's and nice people.

Everyone involved with Havant FC were helpful & freindly and the club set up is a very good one. A nice club to be at.

Once the pain was over an easy enough trip home down the main road and through a pub car park. The trip back to the station only took 15 minutes and our train was just pulling in as we arrived. An hour later we were back in Crawley.

Great trip - Poor game.

Thanks to all at Havant FC.

Ross

What a suprise !

2009-02-15T07:05:00.000-08:00

Well yet again Crawley have a game called off. This time the league match Vs Eastbourne Borough.

Well this one was actually a suprise. After fans and staff of Eastbourne Borough were confident of the game going ahead, and no hint from Crawley Town the game was in doubt all were sure the game would go ahead.

Well I arrived at the stadium at 12'0clock for the coach to the game, We are informed the game is off.

Frozen at 12 after the referee decided the game wouldn't go ahead. He wouldn't wait a couple of hours so it could thaw out.

6 games in a row called off.

Will we ever see a game ?

And Again.

2009-02-12T06:32:00.000-08:00

Yet again the match Vs Havant was called off last night due to the pitch being unsafe. This is the 4th time the game has now been called off.

Not sure how safe the ground has to be, Its the non league and I have seen alot of games that SHOULD NOT have gone ahead.

So it makes me wonder what state Westliegh park is in.

Havant got a game AGAIN !

2009-02-09T04:42:00.000-08:00

Well yet again Crawley's fixture with Havant has been postponed.

This time due to constant rainfall.

This game is seemingly cursed and yet another fixture that Crawley have to catch up on.

Extension to the season ?

Lack of Ambition OR Lack of cash

2009-02-02T18:50:00.000-08:00

Well the transfer window has passed and yet again Crawley fail to dazzle with bargian buys. At my count 4 players have left the club, and only 1 full signing has been made (Mikey Malcolm) but he was here on loan anyway.

I can't have been the only Crawley fan wishing for a brand new player to sign out of the blue and suprise us.

But I think this shows a lack of cash at the heart of Crawley Town Football Club. The club have sold 1 player, given 2 away and released 1. That must free up a bit of money to spend ? Or it balances the books so it looks like were doing right.

Our small squad has got smaller, and with our injuries I think our play off hopes have been closed again for another season. Just like the transfer window.

Like most years it starts great, But this year a lack of ambition and cash has let the club down.

As much as I hope I'm wrong.

Season over.

Transfer Day - One gone, More to go ?

2009-02-02T03:56:00.001-08:00

Well the offical news has finally broken that JP has left the club. What a suprise the fee is "Undisclosed". Sadly nowadays this is the norm in football but to Crawley its another show of secrecy for the club. The now "Open" club is again hiding things from the fans. The club will never make it easy on all parties will they.

Who's next to go ?
Will anyone be brought in ?

By 5pm (Or possibly later due to snow) we will know.

Good luck JP, Thanks for some great goals.

Another one goes - Towel thrown in ?

2009-01-31T11:37:00.000-08:00

Well it has come out that Jon Paul-Pittman is on his way out of the club. I wish JP all the best but am confused as to the reasoning behind it. Do the club need the money ? Were constantly told no. JP will without a doubt want to move up a league, But if the club were sure we could make the play-offs why didn't they turn the bid down ?
Is it the price of promotion ?

Towel thrown in ?

This was the subject raised on the Crawley Town fans forum. I am in 2 minds about this. From 1 side it looks like the club are doing a smart but of business and getting some money in. Yet again they could be getting players off the wage bill and stopping financial meltdown.

The point was made that we are bringing in quality players on loan, True we are but whats the point when were getting rid of the players that are making our team great. Why bring in quality when we are emptying the club of the quality it has.

Doesn't make sense to me.

Is the dream over for another year ? Lets hope not.

No Rain But Pitch Waterlogged

2009-01-31T04:47:00.000-08:00

Today's match Vs Havant was called off due to a waterlogged pitch.

Strange as Westliegh Park hasn't seen any rain for a week. This is the non-league and it seems officials are trying to protect the players to much. They should be used to playing on terrible pitches and in awful conditions.

Yet due to the referee's foot sinking in 2 spots in the centre circle the games off, Its stupid. Its not old trafford with £90,000 a week players on show.

This is what the non-leagues about.

Havant we seen you before ?

2009-01-30T18:36:00.000-08:00

Saturday is upon us again and its cup weekend. The FA trophy, the FA cup of the non league. Our chance to reach Wembley. The draw is made.

Havant & Waterlooville V Crawley Town

Now some people might think its a fix, this is the 3rd time Crawley have met Havant this year. This means we have been drawn against them in every cup possible.

1. FA Cup - Lost 0-3 at home.
2. Setanta Shield - Won 3-0 at home.
3. FA Trophy - ???????????

Best out of 3 matches it is then.