Late Goals Seal Crucial Win for Crawley
In a thrilling League Two encounter, Crawley Town reignited their survival hopes with a dramatic 3-1 comeback victory against Stevenage at the Broadfield Stadium. The match, packed with momentum shifts, saw substitutes Armando Quitirna and Kamari Doyle become unlikely heroes with late strikes—ending Crawley’s five-month home win drought since November.
Match Breakdown: Tactical Twists and Key Moments
First Half: Missed Opportunities
Crawley started aggressively, with winger Harry Forster testing Stevenage’s Murphy Cooper early. A 50th-minute opener from Forster—a clinical 15-yard finish—seemed to set the tone, but Stevenage responded instantly. Jordan Roberts’ near-miss and Brandon Hanlan’s headed equalizer off Dan Kemp’s corner exposed Crawley’s defensive fragility.
Second Half: Substitutes Steal the Show
Stevenage’s captain Carl Piergianni made a goal-saving block to deny Tyreece John-Jules, but Crawley’s persistence paid off. Quitirna’s 87th-minute tap-in after Cooper parried Rushian Hepburn-Murphy’s shot sparked delirium. Doyle’s stoppage-time rocket—a fierce strike into the roof of the net—sealed a vital three points.
Expert Analysis: Why This Win Matters
John Carter, Tactical Analyst for Mcw:
“Crawley’s use of pacey substitutes changed the game. Stevenage’s midfield tired, and Doyle’s introduction added creativity. This win isn’t just about points—it’s a psychological boost in their relegation scrap.”
Historical context: Crawley now sit 3 points clear of the drop zone, with their first home win in 2024. Stevenage, meanwhile, remain mid-table but showed vulnerability in set-piece defense.
Looking Ahead: Crawley’s Survival Odds
With 8 games left, Crawley’s run-in includes clashes against fellow strugglers Barrow and Colchester. Their newfound resilience—evident in late goals—could be decisive. Mcw projects a 58% chance of survival if they replicate this intensity.
Key Stat: Crawley have earned 40% of their total points this season in matches decided after the 80th minute.
Final Thoughts
Crawley’s 3-1 triumph over Stevenage wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. For fans craving more tactical deep dives, follow Mcw for exclusive match breakdowns and relegation battle updates.
What’s your take? Can Crawley escape the drop? Share your thoughts below!
