Clarke bundles home the winner as Green stay second

Crawley Green edged past bottom placed Arlesey Town Reserves with a scrappy 1-0 win to earn another vital three points in their push for promotion on Saturday.

The visitors went close to taking an early lead when keeper Alfie Hickman did well to punch clear an in swinging corner from Aarron Brown.

Minutes later Town replied with an effort from Jordan Leech-Levy that went over the bar.

As Crawley pressed forward, Stuart Strange had a free kick cleared and JJ Billy fired wide from Brown’s cross.

Leech-Levy broke clear of the Crawley defence but his shot was well saved by Dean Bull.

Green started to dominate possession and Brown provided a cross from the left which Billy headed wide.

Graham Clarke and Stuart Strange both had efforts saved by Hickman before Tom Barnett headed wide and then Brown lashed off target.

Straight after the break Arlesey’s Matt Graver was left unmarked in the box but he headed wide of the goal.

Crawley made Town pay for the miss when a minute later they took the lead as Brown’s delivery was deflected by Charlie Clayton and despite a good save from Hickman, Clarke bundled the ball over the line.

Green went close to extending their lead as Clayton and Strange had efforts saved, while Brown’s drive was blocked.

With Crawley unable to increase their lead the game became increasingly frantic as Town pushed for an equaliser.

Bull had to save from Anthony Araba and ex-Green player Kane Dempsey then blazed wide.

Sam Pemberton and Paul Coakley remained solid in the heart of the Crawley defence as after Mano Langlais’ effort went wide, they held on to secure the win.

Green, who remain in second place, host Langford tonight and then visit Wodson Park on Saturday.