‘Best feeling ever’ – Crawley Town winger ‘happy to be back’ after injury

The Antigua & Barbuda international missed the first five games of the 2026-27 campaign through injury – but the 27-year-old has featured in the Reds’ last two League Two matches.

Pereira came off the bench to net Crawley’s equaliser in the 1-1 draw at Northampton Town on Tuesday, September 1. He then played the final half-hour of the Reds’ 3-2 loss at Accrington Stanley last weekend.

And Pereira was delighted to be back helping the Crawley Town cause.

He said: “It's not nice being injured, but being back around the group and being involved in the last two games, it's the best feeling ever.

“Being around the group, getting some minutes, is vital as well.

“I'm just happy to be back out there with the lads.”

Pereira moved to Crawley Town on a free transfer on July 4, 2025.

The former Watford and Luton Town man has gone on to make 36 appearances for the Reds in all competitions, netting one goal and providing five assists.

Pereira set himself the target of recording ‘as many goals’ and ‘as many assists’ as possible in 2026-27 – and vowed to Crawley supporters that there would be no repeat of last season’s relegation drama.

The Reds secured their Football League status on the final day of the 2025-26 campaign courtesy of a goalless draw with Salford City at the Broadfield Stadium.

He added: “[I want] as many goals, as many assists I can to help the team – and finish with the team as high as possible in the league, and not copy what we did last season.

“[After] last season, I think everyone, including the fans, won’t want to see that again.”

Crawley entertain Cheltenham Town this Saturday in front of the Sky Sports cameras (12.30pm kick-off).