Bowyer fumes at Connolly clincher
MARK CONNOLLY’S first goal of the season sealed a third win in four games for Crawley, who registered a narrow victory against Blackpool.
The defender rose to nod home on the goalline in the second half as the Red Devils continued their record of scoring in every home game this campaign.
And the victory delighted head coach Dermot Drummy. “We knew we had to be spoton in the air and we did that exceptionally well,” he said. “We narrowed them down to one shot in the first half and a couple in the second.
“I'm very pleased with the spirit. At home we are obliged to give our fans an exciting game. People want to be entertained and we want our players to enjoy themselves.”
A bright start from both sides saw the hosts’ Billy Clifford fire inches wide inside the opening minute, while Kyle Vassell nodded past the post at the other end.
Glenn Morris was equal to Danny Philliskirk’s header, before Crawley loanee Adi Yussuf forced Dean Lyness to tip his glancing header around the post.
Soon after, Tangerines forward Armand Gnanduillet looped a header wide, before home striker James Collins curled just past Lyness’s post, and then Philliskirk somehow shot wide in a frantic end to the half.
After the break, winger Enzio Boldewijn looked frustrated when Lyness blocked his attempt bravely.
Morris did superbly to tip away a rasping effort from Gnanduillet, but soon after Crawley had the lead.
Clifford’s corner was helped goalwards by Joe McNerney, and Connolly bundled home.
Drummy felt luck was on his team’s side with Connolly’s winner. “The ball went in the box, we got a challenge in and we got the goal,” said the Crawley boss.
“If that went in against us then I’d be asking questions, but we’ve probably got fortunate with it. Gary [Bowyer, the Blackpool manager] won’t be too happy.”
Drummy turned out to be right. “Dean [Lyness] has said he felt it was a foul, he’s got a fat lip,” said Bowyer. “It’s not really a goal conceded from a set play when there’s GBH on your goalkeeper.
“We created chances in the first half but it didn’t happen for us in the second half. Their goalkeeper makes a great save from Gnanduillet in the second half.
“They’re a good side, but I can’t really remember them carving us open.”