MORE TO COME, SAYS MORAIS
FILIPE MORAIS says he sees Crawley’s potential as he handed over the reins to new boss Gabriele Cioffi with a win over leaders Lincoln.
Michael Bostwick’s own goal just before half-time was all that separated the sides. It was a first defeat of the season for the Imps who were reduced to 10 men nine minutes into the second half when skipper Lee Frecklington saw red for a rash challenge on Mark Connolly.
Morais, who has shared caretaker duties with Jimmy Smith since Harry Kewell’s departure, while also playing, said: “It’s been tough, but when you get a reward like this it makes it all worth it.
“We’re very thorough, myself and Jimmy, that’s who we are as people. We take the game very seriously because a club like ours has so much potential. We don’t do things halfheartedly.
“I’m absolutely delighted with the lads. We saw a group of players who played with real heart and determination.”
The Imps had been frustrated by a resolute performance from Crawley who dominated the first half. Crawley came close to going ahead after 20 minutes but Panutche Camara was denied by Grant Smith.
But Lincoln should have gone ahead as John Akinde poked wide and they were made to pay almost immediately when Morais’ cross was turned into his own net by Bostwick in firsthalf stoppage time. Despite Frecklington’s red, it was Danny Cowley’s side who dominated the second, but found themselves unable to break down a determined Crawley defence.
“We were lacklustre and were short of our levels (in the first half), both physically and mentally,” said Lincoln boss Cowley, whose side remain top on goal difference.
“We weren’t brave enough on the ball and didn’t utilise the three-man midfield we had and looked a little bit lethargic and passive.
“We played really well in the second half with 10. It’s so frustrating that we played better with 10 than with 11.”