Crawley Town player ratings: Only one 7 but a few 5s as Reds fall to Cheek hat-trick

Michael Cheek fired Bromley into an early lead in the 15th minute, when his towering header from Idris Odutayo’s cross sailed into the top-left corner.

Crawley struggled to carve out clear chances from open play in the first half but still managed to draw level, with Charlie Barker rising highest from a corner to head home and claim his first goal of the season.

Bromley almost restored their lead just before the interval, but Harvey Davies produced an excellent point-blank save to deny Corey Whitley.

However, Bromley did regain the advantage after the break when the ball fell kindly for Cheek inside the box and he made no mistake, steering his finish into the bottom corner.

Cheek completed his hat-trick and became the league’s new top goalscorer in style, twisting to create space before drilling a powerful strike into the bottom-left corner.

Scott Lindsey’s side couldn’t find a way back into the game and are now winless in their last nine matches in all competitions.

Here are our player ratings:

Harvey Davies – 6 The Liverpool loanee made a brilliant point-blank save on the verge of half-time to ensure both sides went into the break level. The shot-stopper was beaten by three excellent finishes from Cheek, and there was little more he could have done.

Dion Conroy – 5 Was booed every time he touched the ball after Cheek completed his hat-trick. The 30-year-old did not look like the dominant defender Broadfield Stadium has seen on so many occasions and struggled to contain Bromley’s forward, who left with the match ball.

Geraldo Bajrami – 6 Despite playing in midfield, the 26-year-old often dropped in alongside Conroy to limit space for Cheek. He frequently found himself well positioned to cut out dangerous passes but struggled to make an impact in possession.

Charlie Barker – 7 Barker was up against the pace of Mitch Pinnock but did well to block the winger’s runs on several occasions. He had a long-range effort that drifted wide, but his towering header from a corner brought Crawley level and briefly lifted the home crowd.

Gavan Holohan – 5 The most senior player in the squad, who last started against Bristol Rovers and missed Crawley’s 1–1 draw with Colchester United, struggled to get up to match speed and was unable to influence the midfield battle.

Reece Brown – 5 An honest assessment — his presence went largely unnoticed before he was substituted in the 57th minute.

Dion Pereira – 6 Crawley’s number 19 looked lively down the right in the first half, using his quick feet and sharp decision-making to provide the Reds’ main creative threat, but his influence faded after the break.

Ryan Loft – 5 Aside from winning a handful of aerial duels from goal kicks, Loft was starved of service — not entirely his fault. He did shy away from a late header in the 77th minute, which frustrated sections of the home support.

Ade Adeyemo – 6 Adeyemo looked one of Crawley’s brightest players in possession, driving forward with his dribbling and range of passing. However, his defensive positioning let him down at times, leaving room for improvement in blocking opposition passing lanes.

Jay Williams – 6 He was below his usual level out of possession, though he did move the ball efficiently and pick out progressive passes to raise the tempo in possession.

Josh Flint – 5 A strong first half, in which he won the corner that led to Crawley’s equaliser, was followed by a quieter second. His energy levels appeared to dip after the interval, mirroring Crawley’s overall drop-off.

Substitutes

Harry Forster- 6

Brought a little bit extra energy down the left-hand side when he came on but was not given enough time to make an impact.

Kabongo Tshimanga -6

Tried to get himself a few chances at goal but the forward was not treated with any good deliveries into the box.

Jack Roles-6

Was not given enough time to make an impact.

Harry McKirdy-6

Picked up the ball in a few attacking areas but was unable to get any clear chances at goal.