Crawley 3-3 QPR: Six things we learned about new-look Reds after Kevin Betsy’s first home game ends in thrilling draw

The Reds found themselves three goals down after an hour against Championship outfit QPR but showed remarkable resilience and determination to fight back against the odds. Click here to recap the action.

Sports journalist Samuel Brady has looked at six things we learned from the dramatic pre-season friendly.

Formation flexibility

Crawley started the match in a very familiar 5-3-2 formation, which was often seen last season under former manager John Yems.

After a first half, in which the Reds failed to cause any meaningful pressure on the QPR backline, manager Betsy switched shape to a 4-3-3. This saw Crawley produce some of their best football, and score three goals in the process, to the level game with just under ten minutes left.

Possession play

Despite the changes in formation at half time, a common principal of Betsy’s style was possession.

Crawley were determined to play out from the back at any given opportunity and short crisp passing was seen to be the order from Betsy who was constantly barking orders at his side.

However, this emphasis from playing out from the back did lead to a QPR goal when substitute goalkeeper, and new signing, Corey Addai was caught with the ball at his feet and allowed QPR forward Macauley Bonne to finish into an empty net.

Work rate

At 3-0 down in the second half, many inside the Broadfield Stadium would’ve been forgiven in thinking the match was over, although this wasn’t to be the case.

Betsy’s tactics of high pressing and continual work rate ensured his side never gave in and were justifying rewarded for their efforts on a simmering hot day in Sussex.

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Super-subs

Betsy’s second half substitutes proved decisive in turning the game on its head. A goal from substitute Manny Adebowale added to James Tilley’s strike and Tom Nichols penalty, which was awarded when another substitute trialist was brought down inside the penalty area.

The quality of his substitutes will fill Betsy of confidence over the quality he has within the squad and shows the new manager has plenty of options to choose from if he needs

Tough time for Telford

Crawley’s new signing of last season’s League Two top scorer Dom Telford has fans excited. However his first display for this new club was a quiet one.

In a half in which Crawley struggled as a team, Telford was starved of any real chances on goal and failed to convincingly test the QPR defence.

There will be no concerns amongst Crawley supporters, though, as the striker’s record speaks for itself and this was only the first of many games in a red shirt.

Exciting trialists

Amongst the familiar names of Crawley’s squad were a number of unnamed trialists.

One of these young talents was inspirational in helping the hosts back into the game.

Constantly running at the QPR defence, the left winger eventually was rewarded when he was brought down in the penalty area by Rangers defender Conor Masterson.

An impressive display which may just tempt Betsy into making whoever the young talent is a part of his squad ahead of the new campaign.