Reds could do with a Cheek, fans target Conroy and another Jekyll and Hyde performance - five things we learned from Crawley Town's defeat to Bromley

Here’s five things we learned from the defeat:

Crawley could do with a Cheek

If it wasn’t already abundantly clear before kick-off, the scintillating performance of Bromley striker Michael Cheek exposed what the Reds are missing most. League Two’s top scorer buried the first chance of the game, finding the far corner with a towering header to put the visitors a goal ahead. Cheek was in the right place at the right time when the ball ricocheted fortuitously to him on 56 minutes to fire Bromley back in front, but he saved his best until last five minutes later. The composure to beat Geraldo Bajrami and slot the ball back across Harvey Davies into the corner was the mark of a finisher at the very top of his game.

Cheek’s hat-trick came from only 1.08xG and five shots (just three on target). Compare that with Crawley’s target man Ryan Loft, whose only touch in the opposition box all game was a big chance missed, and there is a clear difference in having an in-form focal point at the top of the pitch. The Reds are in need of a clinical figure that can snatch a goal at any given opportunity.

Reds fans take frustrations out on captain

The 4,058 in attendance on Monday night, made up of 1,004 away supporters, were clearly exasperated with Crawley’s second half display. Scenes inside the Broadfield Stadium turned ugly after captain Dion Conroy lost possession in the lead-up to Bromley’s third goal. A section of the home stand began booing the defender whenever he received the ball, with some leading unsavoury chants towards him too. Conroy responded at times, waving his hands trying to reinvigorate the Reds fans in a positive manner. These efforts only infuriated them further though and goalkeeper Davies visibly motioned to the captain to leave it.

Manager Scott Lindsey embraced Conroy during a break but refused to comment on the fans’ behaviour after the match. It’s a sad turn of fate for the man who led Crawley to Wembley glory and promotion to League One only 18 months ago. Reds forward Harry McKirdy called for the fans to get behind the group and to avoid the atmosphere that engulfed the ground on Monday. One thing is highly likely – Lindsey will continue to back the club captain amidst these challenging times. They will be looking to their supporters for help in turning the tide, but those in the stands will be guided by what they see on the pitch.

Another Jekyll and Hyde performance

One of the most frustrating aspects of Crawley’s recent games for manager Scott Lindsey has been the drop-off in performance after half-time. The boss has suggested it is predominantly a “mentality” issue and there was no sign of a quick fix on Monday night. The Reds went into the break deservedly level with a good Bromley side after largely nullifying the visitors’ threat, although not creating an awful lot themselves. The hosts came back out for the second half, optimistic that they could upset the odds and topple the in-form side of League Two.

Not long after the break though the Reds found themselves behind again, albeit through an unlucky set of deflections that put it on a plate for Cheek. That goal was a catalyst – Cheek scored a third just five minutes later and Lindsey’s men looked dejected. The second half was littered with unforced errors that led to possession turnovers as desperation crept in. In fact, all three Bromley goals were avoidable and stemmed from the hosts’ inability to effectively clear their lines. It was an all-too-familiar scenario for the Reds as the game drifted further out of their hands as the clock ticked on, and Lindsey will be scrambling for the formula to remedy their in-game inconsistencies.

To the left, to the left

It was noticeable the lopsided nature of much of what Crawley did well in the first half. Josh Flint’s marauding runs have become a feature of the Reds’ attacking build-up this campaign and his endeavour earned the corner that Charlie Barker scored from. Flint, Ade Adeyemo and Reece Brown all linked up well and had some joy in the first half against Bromley’s right-hand side.

Crawley’s right-side of defence lacked a forward-thinking presence, leaving Dion Pereira and Gavan Holohan struggling to make an impact. In fairness, they were up against Bromley’s formidable left-back Idris Odutayo and the lively winger Mitchell Pinnock. Goalscorer Barker also made countless interventions on the right to keep the Reds in the game. However, at present it’s clear that Crawley’s left-side offers a more direct threat while their right is required for defensive solidity.

Heads!

When the two teams lined up for kick-off, the gulf in size between the Crawley and Bromley players was notable. It would have been another frustration of Lindsey’s, consequently, that the Reds played a lot of the ball in the air given his possession-based style of play. Surprisingly, the hosts won three more aerial duels than their opponents, but the method was unable to produce many fruitful attacks. Though, it was rather ironic that Barker’s goal came from a beautifully delivered corner from Pereira that the defender headed into the far corner.

After the reverse fixture earlier this month, Bromley boss Andy Woodman suggested Crawley’s possession style played into the hands of his high-pressing side. This may have factored into the no-nonsense approach undertaken at times by Davies and the Reds defence. The visitors were able to deal with most things thrown at them in both games and look poised to mount a strong promotion push, two seasons after entering the English Football League for the first time in their history.