Final-day drama against Salford City ends in joy and relief for Crawley Town

The Reds’ fate was in doubt to the very last seconds of the afternoon’s games but the final whistle at Crawley, swiftly followed by news that Harrogate had lost, sparked a pitch invasion and scenes of great joy and relief. It also meant Salford missed out on automatic promotion and go into the play-offs instead.

Colin Kazim-Richards listed his final starting XI of the season and the Crawley boss named two changes to the side that drew 3-3 away at Accrington Stanley.

Louie Copley returned to the squad to replace Max Anderson in the midfield, while Jonny Russell made his first start under Kazim-Richards’, filling in for Lewis Richards.

Kazim-Richards’ side came into the final game of the season knowing that a win would all-but secure their place in the League Two next season – while Salford’s potential prize was automatic promotion.

Salford had a half-chance in the opening five minutes. Longelo got the better of Russell before crossing it into the box which was met by a Salford player, but his effort was completely miscued.

Just before the ten minute mark Crawley’s first opportunity of the match saw Watson drive with the ball before playing out wide to Dion Pereira, who slipped the ball through to Louie Copley but the angle was closed down well by Matthew Young in the Salford goal.

A pacy cross was delivered over the top of Crawley’s defence to the back post with a quarter of an hour played. The cross was attacked well by centre-back Brandon Cooper but he couldn’t direct it towards goal and it flashed wide of the post.

Salford had two quickfire opportunities in the space of a few seconds just before the half an hour mark. The first, a header blocked off the line by Scott Malone following Adebola Oluwo’s header, before Matt Butcher struck a delightful volley that rattled the crossbar.

A few moments later the Reds found themselves in a great position but lost the ball on the edge of the Salford box, which led to a counter attack but resulted in a comfortable save for Jacob Chapman from Daniel Udoh’s tame effort.

First-half substitute Taylor Richards hit the wrong side of the netting on 39 minutes before firing a shot which flashed across goal five minutes later.

Dion Pereira had the last chance of the half deep into first half stoppage time as he opened fire from just outside the 18-yard box with the effort looking to drop into the top corner, but it went high and wide of the target.

It was a lively and open start to the second half with both teams knowing they had to go full throttle and the half continued to proceed in the same fashion.

Six minutes into the second half Chapman produced a brilliant save with his feet to deny Salford following a long throw into the Crawley box. Just past the hour mark Salford had a big penalty shout as Udoh swivelled in the box and went down but it was dismissed by Lee Swabey.

With 15 minutes left on the clock Crawley captain Jay Williams let one loose which just went wide of the post before substitute Ryan Loft beared down on goal with time to shoot but he hit it straight at the Salford keeper who produced a strong arm to save it.

And with ten minutes left to play Kelly N’Mai squared it to Udoh who looked set to score but it went wide of the post - a massive opportunity for the away side.

Then with just seven minutes to go, cheers rang round the stadium as news came through that Barnet had gone 1-2 ahead against relegation rivals Harrogate Town.

In the final minute of the 90 Cole Stockon directed a header goalwards which was saved well by the Huddersfield loanee.

The Reds defended resiliently, courageously and professionally as the Ammies threw men forward in a bid to find a winner and Kazim-Richards’ side were able to see it out for a 0-0 draw securing their Football League status… by the skin of their teeth.

There were amazing scenes after the whistle with relieved Reds fans storming on to the pitch to celebrate their salvation.