Back to basics, personality and passion - Six things we learned from Crawley Town's wins over Gillingham

Here are six things we learned:

Dream start for new boss

To say it has been a turbulent week at Crawley Town would be an understatement. The timing of Scott Lindsey’s sacking took many by surprise, but that was just the tip of the iceberg. Appointing a man with no managerial experience in the thick of a battle to avoid relegation from the EFL made Reds fans question whether the club’s ownership had any sort of plan in place.

Colin Kazim-Richards alluded to the scepticism of supporters ahead of his first game in the dugout, and it felt that Saturday’s performance would likely shape the rest of his tenure. As it turned out, the 39-year-old couldn’t have dreamed of a better introduction.

For the fourth straight home match, Crawley produced a late-late show that sent the Broadfield into bedlam - arguably the highlight of their season. If he wanted to win over the fans as quickly as possible, a first game as memorable as that would have done Kazim-Richards no harm.

Personality and passion

The Reds fans were able to see their new boss on the pitch nice and early when he joined his players and coaching staff for the warm-up, taking an active role in the preparation for Saturday’s game. Before and after this, Kazim-Richards took the time to sign autographs and pose for pictures with excited young supporters.

Understandably, he celebrated emphatically on the pitch when Richards gave the Reds the lead and enthusiastically fist-pumped in front of the delighted home fans. Most interestingly, Kazim-Richards led a post-match huddle in the centre of the pitch so all could see the belief he is trying to instil in his new players.

His first game in charge made it clear that his mission is to bring the club closer together after the first 39 games of the season left many feeling alienated. Both Kazim-Richards' demeanour on matchday and his interactions with the press might have quickly converted some doubters into believers.

Back to basics

Many Reds fans had clamoured all season for former boss Scott Lindsey to alter his set-up and budge from his favoured 3-4-2-1 formation. Kazim-Richards had hinted ahead of Saturday that he would focus on starting players in their strongest positions. His first selection was hard to decipher when the teams were announced, but he had clearly decided on a standard 4-4-2 once the game began.

Tobi Adeyemo and Danilo Orsi started up front together for the first time and despite a game short of chances, the former categorically put the game to bed with his only shot on target. In just his second start, the Watford loanee delivered his first goal for the Reds and propelled himself to the top of the attacking pecking order.

Winners and losers from formation change

Kazim-Richards' stripped-back approach clearly benefitted some more than others on Saturday. Left-back Lewis Richards looked more at home in his favoured spot while Charlie Barker was named man-of-the-match back in a central-defensive pairing, admittedly before the late goals went in.

It surprised many when Ade Adeyemo lined up at right-back at kick-off and despite his promising attacking forays, his approach to defending showed why he is probably a better fit at wing-back. Ronan Darcy was forced out wide and looked isolated on the left of midfield, regularly drifting into the middle of the pitch. His replacement Harry Forster injected more energy in that role and provided the assist for the second goal.

Orsi’s struggles compounded by injury

Starting with a strike partner for the first time since rejoining the Reds in January, Danilo Orsi cut a frustrated figure yet again. In a first half short of quality and openings, the 29-year-old found it difficult to get into the game and was largely tasked with receiving the ball with his back to goal or chasing lost causes. His endeavour went unrewarded again and a record of one goal in 15 matches sums up the striker’s torrid time thus far.

Orsi’s afternoon was cut short just after half-time when he was brought down by Gills’ Andy Smith. It was clear that he was in a lot of pain and had to be carried off the field by Crawley’s medical staff. His substitution meant he missed minutes for the first time since his return and judging by his condition when coming off, it could be a while before we see him again.

‘One more round’

That was the phrase the new Crawley boss stressed in his post-match interview. Despite the jubilation of a late win, and Kazim-Richards' perfect start at the Broadfield, there was an emphasis on the idea that the Reds cannot and will not take their foot off the gas. After ending their winless run at the 11th attempt, the 21st-placed side may have expected a bit of respite from their relegation fears.

However, a shock win for Barrow against League Two leaders Bromley and Newport County’s victory over Shrewsbury Town means the Reds just kept pace with their rivals. Moving two points clear of the drop zone, their future in the EFL remains in the balance ahead of a hugely important clash with Newport at Rodney Parade on Good Friday.

Win there and fans will believe Kazim-Richards can keep the Reds up but lose and they will still be right in the thick of it. What is certain is that the hundreds travelling to the Welsh city will kick every ball from the stands.