Crawley Down Gatwick clinch promotion

A goal in each half by Oli Leslie and James Day earned them the win against the bottom of the table side last night.

He expressed his satisfaction at seeing the team develop since he took over from Tim Penlington when they were bottom of the Premier Division.

The club appeared to have been in free-fall as when he took over they were well on their way to their second successive relegation.

Cooper said: “The lads have worked so hard going back to July last year, and I am proud to have clinched promotion with four games left.

“Our objective is to finish in the runners-up spot so I believe one more point will seal that and then the celebrations will be in full swing.

“It’s been great to see how the team has developed over the last 16-17 months since I have been at the club, the team has been rebuilt gradually and there is a real positive vibe around the club which is great to be involved with.”

Cooper admitted the Tigers did not give a tame display against the play-off chasers.

“As for last night, we made hard work of it tonight and it could easily have been seven or eight goals in our favour but I think the boys like to keep us on our toes!

“Fairplay to Saltdean who didn’t stop all night and made us work hard for the three points.”

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