Accrington Stanley 4 Crawley Town 2

Last updated : 29 September 2005 By Footymad Previewer
Crawley, in only their second season in the Nationwide Conference, have made a poor start to the season and were missing several key players following their first win of the season over Canvey Island.

Ian Craney gave the home side a dream start with a goal as early as the third minute and only a fine save from Crawley keeper Phil Smith prevented Gary Roberts from increasing the lead minutes later with a 25-yard strike that was tipped around the post.

Steve Burton levelled the scores on 22 minutes for the visitors converting Sacha Opinel's cross from the wing with a right-footed shot from the edge of the box that curled into the back of the net.

Opinel, the former Farnborough defender, was instrumental in most of Crawley's attacks but it was the former Margate player Smith who kept the scores level at the break when he again denied Roberts with another fine save to his right.

Stephen Jagielka regained the lead on 56 minutes for Accrington in a move that again involved Roberts. Crawley's star striker, Daryl Clare, levelled the scores from six yards out with his second goal of the season since his big money move from Boston.

Man of the match Roberts completed a fine game for himself scoring on 77 minutes when converting from the penalty spot after Andrew Mangan had been fouled by David Woozley.

Accrington still had time to introduce new signings Roumald Boco and on loan Tranmere player Paul Brown and with time added on for injuries Mangan completed the scoring with a fourth for the home side.