Crawley Green fight back to claim Bedford draw

Crawley fought back to claim a 1-1 home draw against Bedford in Molten Spartan SML Division One on Wednesday night as the visitors extended their unbeaten run to 17 games.

The game came to life after eight minutes when Crawley’s Chris Gibson almost put through Hayden Wills.

Bedford countered quickly and from the resulting corner Craig Grieves headed Jamie Cole’s delivery firmly past Dean Bull.

Shortly after the visitors almost doubled their lead but William Sells shot over after being set up by Chris Johnson.

Crawley created their best chance of the game on the half-hour when Nicky Nolan and Stuart Strange combined to set up Gibson, but his shot was blocked.

On the stroke of half time Aaron Bodger in the Bedford let a long cross from Sam Dawe slip over his head but the ball was cleared as Bedford led 1-0 at the break.

Bedford had the better of the game at the start of the second half and created a number of good chances.

Gareth Hunt had a long range effort well saved by Bull five minutes in, before Grieves was again left unmarked at a corner, but this time he headed over.

Hunt then turned provider but his cross was put wide by Cole when he should have hit the target.

On the hour Grieves had yet another header from a corner go wide and then Chris Johnson shot over after a good run.

The introductions of Peter O’Donnell and new signing Richard Pringle completely changed the game for Crawley as Pringle added some much needed physical support to the hard-working Gibson as the Maroons fought their way back into the game.

Bedford were made to pay for their missed chances when Crawley levelled on 74 minutes. Strange picked out O’Donnell down the left and his pinpoint cross was firmly headed home by Pringle.

In an end-to-end finish neither side could break the dealock and it finished all square at the final whistle.