Crawley Town bowed out of the Jersey Mike’s Trophy following a 2-1 home defeat to Brentford U21s on a rainy night at the Broadfield Stadium.

The Reds had to win either in normal time or penalties to progress from the group stages and into the knockouts.

Omari Mrisho’s slip led to Brentford’s opener in the 27th minute as Domeiro Bobb-Semple poked it home at the front post. The striker scored his second early into the second half just minutes after Brentford had missed a penalty.

New signing Connor Wickham pulled one back from the spot in the second minute of stoppage time but it wasn’t enough.

Connor Wickham steps up to score on his Crawley debut - but his penalty couldn't save them from defeat | Picture by Thomas Forbes

placeholder image — Connor Wickham steps up to score on his Crawley debut - but his penalty couldn't save them from defeat | Picture by Thomas Forbes

Here are our Reds ratings...

Vito Mannone: 5 - Distribution was slow and poor. He was required to make a couple of routine saves.

Josh Flint: 6.5 – Stepped into space from the backline well at times and played some good progressive passes when there was an opportunity.

Malcolm Ebiowei 6.5 – Lacked end product but hugged the touchline well and glided inside the pitch well at times.

The Reds try to break down Brentford | Picture by Thomas Forbes

Louie Watson: 6 – Moved the ball out wide effectively to help the Reds progress up the pitch but struggled with the balance required to play in a defensive midfield role.

Pemi Aderoju: 6 – Held up the ball well in moments when the ball was played direct but no real chances came the Peterborough loanee’s way.

Justin Ferizaj: 6 – Did well when he received the ball facing his own goal but was very quiet in the game.

Ade Adeyemo: 6 – A few loose passes here and there but got stuck in and went on some great runs at times.

Ayman Benarous: 6.5 – The former Bristol City and Plymouth Argyle attacker made his debut for the Reds and looked to have a lot of energy. He broke down the left hand side well at times but was rarely able to find a cross or shot at the end of it.

Nathan Tinsdale: 5.5 – Very sloppy in possession and was second to a lot of second balls typically being out muscled.

Omari Mrisho 4.5 – The youngster’s unfortunate slip crucially led to Brentford’s opener and continued to have a tough evening a right-back

Ben Heneghan: 5.5 – Captained the side on just his second appearance for the Reds and made some important blocks and tackles.

Substitutes:

Klaudio Krasniqi: 5.5 – Replaced Watson early into the second half. Had a great effort on his left foot in the 70th minute which was denied by the fingertips of Rose.

Connor Wickham: 6 – Didn’t offer a huge lot when he came on but he did grab a goal on his debut with a late penalty.

Jude Robertson: N/A