Crawley Town 0, Leyton Orient 0: Reds grind to a goalless draw against ten-man Orient

Hector Kyprianou's tackle on Jake Hessentaler which saw him get a red card. Picture by UK Sports Images Ltd

Tom Nichols' early missed penalty cost Crawley Town victory as the Reds struggled in a cagey affair, and goalless affair, at the People's Pension Stadium.

It was a disappointing night for Crawley Town who were unable to break the deadlock against a Leyton Orient side, who were reduced to ten men mid-way through the second half.

The Red’s best chance came inside the first three minutes as Nichols missed from twelve yards, his effort cannoning off the crossbar and into the Sussex sky, much to the relief of the Orient keeper, Lawrence Vigouroux, who was well beaten.

George Francomb wins a header. Picture by UK Sports Images Ltd

Crawley’s disappointment was short-lived as Hector Kyprianou was dismissed after a thunderous challenge on Jake Hessenthaler, that gave the referee no option but to give the Orient man his marching orders.

But, Yems’ side failed to make their advantage count managing only a hatful of half chances, failing to register a shot on target throughout the ninety minutes.

Archie Davies, who looked bright after his introduction, broke down the right, repeatedly, and managed to pick out Nichols, whose strike hit the side netting from 12-yards.

Perhaps, Crawley’s best chances came courtesy of Joe Mcnerney, who failed to hit the target on three occasions from inside the box. First, he hit the side netting from close-range, before a free header from a wickedly delivered corner by Powell was glanced narrowly wide. His third effort once again failed to work the Orient keeper.

Throughout, ten-man Orient, who looked rarely troubled by Crawley, broke with real conviction. A hatful of chances saw Morris pull off a number of saves, the best of which saw the former-Orient academy product, tip a driven effort just round the post.

Another disheartening night for Crawley, after the weekends defeat to Cambridge United, leaves the Sussex-side stuck in eleventh. A lacklustre performance showed little attacking potency against ten-man. Something that will no doubt disappoint Yems and fans alike.