Crawley Town 4-1 Bristol Rovers- Report

Last updated : 03 September 2011 By DSG


Town prove promotion credentials

Crawley eased to their third successive home league victory to see off Bristol Rovers 4-1 and move to the top of the League Two table.

First-half goals from Tyrone Barnett and Ben Smith put Steve Evans' men firmly in charge, and striker Matt Tubbs added a third before Barnett hit his second goal six minutes from time.

Barnett gave Crawley the lead after 14 minutes, forcing the ball home after John Dempster flicked on a long throw from David Hunt.

Rovers were punished for slack defending when the unmarked Smith doubled the hosts' advantage after 28 minutes by heading in from six yards after a short corner by Sergio Torres was played in by Dean Howell.

Rovers substitute Elliot Richards put a left-footed shot wide before Tubbs made it 3-0 as he blasted home a direct free-kick from 20 yards in the 74th minute.

Rovers pulled back a consolation when former QPR defender Lee Brown caught keeper Michel Kuipers out with a deep cross which crept into the far corner.

But Crawley were further rewarded for their attacking flair when former Macclesfield marksman Barnett latched onto a cross from Smith to fire the hosts' fourth goal.

Rovers rarely threatened in the first half although much-travelled striker Matt Harrold saw his downward header cleared off the line by Howell following a corner to the far post by Matt Gill.


Source: DSG

Source: DSG