EFL: Crawley promoted to League One
Crawley Town 2 - 0 Crewe Alexandra
Crawley Town secured promotion to League One after a nine-year absence by defeating Crewe Alexandra 2-0 at Wembley.
Despite being predicted by many to face relegation at the start of the season, Crawley defied expectations. Their victory in the League Two play-off final on Sunday means they will compete in the third tier for only the second time in their history, the first since 2015.
Goals from Danilo Orsi and Liam Kelly, scored late in each half, were enough to secure the win in the sweltering London heat during Crawley's first-ever visit to Wembley in their 128-year history.
"Relegation? Not a chance - Crawley Town are a REVELATION" 🎇
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) May 19, 2024
The Reds are a League One club again ❤ pic.twitter.com/9Q2v1B1Osv
The first half was largely uneventful until a brilliant move in the closing stages allowed Crawley to open the scoring. Orsi capitalized on some excellent combination play with Kelly at the edge of the box, displaying superb footwork and a delicate finish with the outside of his boot to beat Crewe goalkeeper Max Stryjek.
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Although neither manager wanted VAR at Wembley, Crawley boss Scott Lindsey was likely relieved it was available early in the second half. Referee Ben Toner awarded Crewe a penalty after Adam Campbell’s mistake let Chris Long have a clear shot at goal, with Corey Addai seemingly bringing him down. However, replays showed no contact was made, and the decision was correctly overturned.
Crawley then doubled their lead late in the game when Kelly, turning from provider to scorer, saw his cross deflect back to him, allowing him to find the net on his second attempt.
With this win, Crawley will compete in Sky Bet League One for the 2024/25 season, while Crewe will remain in League Two for another year.
Fan reaction
❤️ REDS ARE GOING UP OLE OLE!#TownTeamTogether🔴 pic.twitter.com/rGZwLjoZiU
— Crawley Town FC (@crawleytown) May 19, 2024
Philip, a Crawley fan, said: "We were fantastic in the semi-finals against MK Dons, and today we showed up and played outstandingly. The manager and coaches have instilled a strong belief in the players. At the start of the season, we won some early games, and the players bought into their system and believed in it. They've kept that momentum going ever since."
Tom Peters, another Crawley fan, posted on Facebook: "The best day of my life, apart from my wedding, in case my wife is reading. The players have been amazing all season. All of them have responded to what the manager has asked them to do. I also never thought I'd ever see my Crawley play at Wembley and today, I witnessed us win there."
Peter, a Crewe fan, was disappointed but happy with many elements from this season. He said: "Sometimes you just have to accept that they were outplayed on the day. For whatever reason, they couldn't impose themselves on the game. There will be regrets, disappointment, and tears, but I don't think there's a sense of injustice. There are many positives from this season and plenty of optimism for the future. They need to take this setback in stride and work on improving."
