Green finish superb season by beating Ampthill
Crawley Green finished off their season with a hard fought 2-1 victory at local rivals Ampthill Town on Saturday.
Playing their third game in five days, and with promotion already secured, Crawley took the opportunity field a number of reserve team regulars with Lewis Billington making his debut at centre half, while Reece Green and Nathan Osborne also started.
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Hide AdIn a lively opening, Dean Bull punched clear from an Ampthill corner and Crawley replied with a blocked shot by Charlie Clayton.
However, with five minutes gone, Crawley took the lead as Aaron Browne’s effort from 25 yards flew Jack Ambler into the top corner.
With 20 minutes gone, Clayton shot over after being set up by Sam Peverall, but Ampthill were gifted a chance when the visiting defence stopped for a head injury to Fraser Maidment and Dean Dummett went through, only to delay his shot.
Mike Draycott and Glen Cooksley saw their attempts saved by Bull, while in added time Maidment headed over from a corner.
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Hide AdAfter the break, Maidment managed to find the car park rather than the back of the net, while Louie Dillon’s effort was deflected.
Crawley still pushed for a second though as Browne’s free kick was cleared by Callam McAdam and Clayton couldn’t beat the defenders.
Ampthill levelled with 20 minutes to go as after being awarded a hotly disputed corner, Dillon’s delivery was converted by Josh Wilson.
With both teams going for the win, Jack Downes went close for Green, while Bull saved well from Dummett.
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Hide AdOn 80 minutes, Crawley looked to have secured victory when Stuart Strange and Mark Bunker combined to set up Jack Downes who went through to fire past Ambler.
Late on, Charlie Clayton shot over, but Crawley took the points to produce a fitting end to an excellent season.