PALMER GETS THE REDS ROLLING
NEW Crawley head coach Gabriele Cioffi stressed the importance of building a strong foundation after his side moved up to 10th in League Two with a win over Yeovil.
The Reds, out of the play-off places only on goal difference, have won both their home games under the 43-year-old Italian.
Cioffi, who was part of Gianfranco Zola’s coaching staff during his time in charge of Birmingham in the 201617 season, insists he is not interested in how the table looks at the moment.
He said:” The table is poison. What is important is small important steps. I am just looking at every step we take.”
Cioffi felt this was a perfect response following the 1-0 defeat at Forest Green, and added: “This was the answer we wanted. In this league all the games are open and it’s tough to be a winner. The best performances come when the players want it; when they have the will.”
Crawley keeper Glen Morris came to his side’s rescue early on by parrying a goal-bound shot from Olufela Olomola after good work by Alex Pattison.
Former Lincoln striker Ollie Palmer struck to give the hosts the lead after 26 minutes with his sixth of the season.
Palmer stabbed the ball home at the far post after a cross by Lewis Young was helped on by Luke Gambin.
Yeovil hit back to level three minutes before the break through Carl Dickinson, who fired low passed Morris after a pass by Olomola.
Recalled Crawley midfielder Mark Randall dragged a shot wide shortly after the break when set up by Gambin. Palmer should have tested keeper Nathan Baxter before Olomola shot narrowly wide at the other end following a strong run.
Substitute Nathaniel-George restored Crawley’s lead in superb style by rifling home in the 68th minute from 25 yards. Frenchman Filipe Morais sealed victory deep into added time with a well-placed shot after being fed by Nathaniel-George.
Yeovil boss Darren Way is demanding a much improved display at Colchester on Tuesday after his men dived to their second defeat in three games.
Way was dismayed at the manner in which his team ended the game, and admitted:” I wanted for 90 minutes for them to play like men . But I felt from our point of view there were a few boys out there. We didn`t threaten them enough.”
“We’re very disappointed and it’s important we re-group. We didn`t show enough desire, we must change that. After that 30-yard shot flew in the net the reaction was poor.
“The players were disappointed in the dressing room but they have to take responsibility – they didn’t do well.
“Now I need to see a good reaction. Over the last three games teams have worked on our game plan; now it is for us to work hard and play with quality.”