Maroons bounce back with Ath win

CRAWLEY Green got back to winning ways with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Buckingham Athletic in Molten Spartan SML Division One on Tuesday night.

The Luton side made a bright start and took the lead after only five minutes when Robbie O’Dell’s peach of a cross was headed firmly past Paul Warnecki in the Buckingham goal by Vinny Shrieves.

Crawley continued to dominate with O’Dell and Adam Reid both having shots blocked, while Athletic’s Josh Faran shot wide with just Dean Bull to beat.

Hateley Mercer then set up O’Dell and Shrieves in quick succession, but both their efforts were saved by Warnecki.

In the second half, the game became increasingly scrappy, with neither side able to retain possession. After 51 minutes O’Dell almost set up Shrieves again but Warnecki saved well, while Ryan Guinnane’s free-kick had to be tipped over by Bull.

On the hour Shrieves shot over the bar, while Reid then tried his luck, but he also cleared the woodwork.

Buckingham’s only real chance of the second half came with 10 minutes to go, but Adam Bone’s fierce drive was well saved by Bull.

Lee Hayward broke clear with five minutes to go but he blazed into the side netting.

Crawley lost 1-0 to London Colney at the weekend and this Saturday host Cockfosters.