The Opposition: Crawley Town (H)

The Opposition: Crawley Town (H)
The lowdown on Scott Lindsey's side

October 27th 2023FGR Media

It's a third straight league game at The New Lawn on Saturday as Crawley Town make the trip to Nailsworth. Rovers will be looking to respond from Tuesday night's 2-0 defeat to Barrow.

The Red Devils have enjoyed a strong start to the new campaign - so here's everything you need to know about Saturday's opponents.

IN THE DUGOUT

It's a return to The New Lawn for former Forest Green Assistant Manager Scott Lindsey, who has been Head Coach of Crawley Town since January.

Lindsey, who helped Rovers to promotion from the National League in 2017 and to the League Two play-offs in 2019, was highly thought of during his time in Nailsworth.

Lindsey's sides are known for their possession-heavy and expansive style - and Crawley are no different. Only Notts County and Swindon Town average more than their 56.5% possession (whoscored.com), while there has been an average of 3.4 goals in their matches so far this campaign.

Last season, the 51-year-old steered the Red Devils to League Two safety, but they have higher aspirations this term. They currently sit 12th in the table.

SUMMER BUSINESS

Crawley waved goodbye to some key personnel over the summer. Dom Telford bagged 14 goals across all competitions last season and moved onto Barrow, while trio Jack Powell, Ashley Nadesan and James Tilley, who had made over 400 appearances for the Red Devils, joined Crewe, Gillingham and AFC Wimbledon respecitvely.

Over the off-season, Town recruited many players from non-league, and it's paid dividends. Adam Campbell, a forward signed from Gateshead, has been one of their star performers. Defenders Jay Williams and Laurence Maguire, recruits from Brackley Town and Chesterfield, are among Crawley's top regular appearance-makers this term.

Striker Danilo Orsi earned himself a Football League move two years ago off the back of an impressive campaign with Maidenhead United, and while he's struggled to find form at both Harrogate Town and Grimsby Town, he has scored five times in 13 appearances at Crawley Town.

ONE TO WATCH

Liam Kelly was another summer recruit, with Crawley plucking the 27-year-old midfielder from relegated Rochdale. Kelly is a tenacious midfield player who impressed in his two years at Rochdale, despite them both being miserable seasons towards the bottom end of League Two.

Rewind only a few years and Kelly was a regular for Reading in the Championship, appearing in the play-off final defeat to Huddersfield Town in 2017. He has already provided five goal contributions this season and has been instrumental in their impressive start to the campaign.