Crawley Town Column: Defeat at Bromley, but a late equaliser secures a point against ex Premier League side Oldham

Although it was our inability not to increase our lead before halftime that cost us the three points. Ryan Loft gave us the lead with a brilliant finish after eighteen minutes, and we should have at least doubled that lead with the crossbar and a goal line clearance saving the Latics. A bit like Bromley the Tuesday before, Oldham started far the brighter in the second half and turned the game on its head. But unlike crumbling in Surrey last week, we put up a fight and equalised through Tshimanga eight minutes from time. It has to be seen as a positive when a point is gained so late in the match. But it just feels we can’t buy a win at the minute. The trip to local side Bromley was certainly a game of two halves. With Reds playing some delightful football in the first half at Hayes Lane. With Loft once again finding the back of the net to give us a ninth minute lead. We should have doubled, before we got caught cold conceding poorly from a corner right on halftime. The second half saw Crawley get battered, with Bromley running out deserved winners by three goals to one. It was the first ever league meeting between the two sides, and could be the start of good local rivalry. Should we both remain in the same league next season. Reds sold out the away end, and created a brilliant atmosphere, certainly in the first half while we had something to shout about. The facilities in the away end were somewhat lacking with portable loos and a gazebo selling refreshments. But I’m sure once the new stand is finished this will change. The best part of the night was we were back in Crawley by 10:30pm! A quick uber back to East Croydon and a 20 minute train journey home. Let’s hope this fixture’s here to stay.

Next up this weekend is a tough looking assignment to Scott Lindsey’s old club Swindon Town. But if anyone can mastermind a win against the high flying Robins then I’d bet my money that Scott can! #COYR