Crawley 2-0 Salford: Reds cruise past League Two newcomers
Saturday 10 August 2019 19:12, UK
Crawley clinched their first win of the season with a goal in each half by Bez Lubala and Nathan Ferguson sinking Salford 2-0 at the Broadfield Stadium.
Salford, 2-0 victors over Stevenage in their historic first-ever football league game, were largely outplayed and struggled to make an impression in front of goal.
The Ammies had a let off after only seven minutes when a free kick from Ferguson found defender Tom Dallison and he planted a headed against the bar from close range.
Crawley, who have made 10 Summer signings, went close again when Lubala shot just wide after a short pass by Reece Grego-Cox.
The Reds threatened again when Ferguson drove over before Grego-Cox had a powerful shot beaten away by keeper Christopher Neal.
Salford continued to live dangerously and Dallison was denied by the woodwork again before Lubala gave Crawley the lead from the penalty spot in the 36th minute.
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Lubala sent Neal the wrong way after Jordan Tunnicliffe was clipped by Carl Piergianni.
Keeper Neal denied Lubala at the foot of the post before Crawley doubled their lead in the 54th minute when Ferguson, fed by substitute Ollie Palmer, rifled home from 20 yards.
Salford wasted a glorious opportunity to get back into the game when the on-rushing Richie Towell shot wide with only keeper Glenn Morris to beat.
Piergianni later headed against the post from a free kick by Towell, but Salford finished a well-beaten side.
