Workmanlike

In the end a workmanlike victory for North End over a very ordinary Crawley Town. Grayson kept the same side that lobbed a three goal lead away on Tuesday against Chesterfield. A bright start with shots from Brownhill for North End and Williams for Crawly going close before the game settled down into a dour encounter with not a lot to excite the 10330 crowd. On 20 minutes Garner was denied by a flying save by Ashdown in the Crawley goal. The resultant corner however did end up in the Crawley net, Browne's pass found Wright who side footed home from 12 yards. Within minutes Crawley could have levelled as Gallagher headed against the underside of his own cross bar before the ball was cleared by the home defence to safety. It was the last highlight for Crawley. Hayhurst and Browne both had great chances to increase the lead both were spurned.
An early Gallagher shot went close before it was back to a midfield struggle. As with Tuesday the eary stages of the second half were a bit niggly but the flashing of the yellow card in a few faces cooled the game down.
Nortn End dominated possession but did little with it going sideways and backwards at snails pace. Eventually Gallagher shrugged off a challenge from Williams before putting a cross in , the ball was handled. Garner did the rest from the spot.
Game over, Williams went close with a late attack for the visitors but there afternoon was summed up by a late McLeod overhead shot which went out for a throw in.
North End eased to the points against a decidedly average Crawley side. Crawley's supporters of less than 100 will have a long journey home with the knowledge that John Gregory will not be taking them to promotion.


Preston North End 2 Crawley Town 0 ATT 10330