Crawley won their first game in six games after Jack Nolan scored a goal at the second minute. They beat 10-man Accrington 3-1.
Danilo Orsi netted twice in the Reds’ win, including the late penalty that settled the matter after Brad Hills was sent off for knocking down Crawley’s striker.
Corey Addai was Crawley’s keeper for all 15 of Crawley’s league matches this season. Scott Lindsey chose to replace him with Luca Ashby Hammond, who made his debut in the football league.
Ashby-Hammond was defeated after only 86 seconds by Nolan, who surged up the right side before cutting into the box and shooting a low, angled shot over the goalkeeper.
Crawley equalised after 8 minutes, Orsi defeating Jon McCracken one-on-1 after Klaidi Lolos had fed him.
McCracken saved Lolos’ free-header after Gordon crossed to him.
Nick Tsaroulla’s good work and Orsi’s failure to score at close range should have led Crawley ahead.
Ashby Hammind tipped Joe Pritchard’s rasping strike over just before halftime.
Will Wright, a former Gillingham player who played as a defender for the club from 1989 to 1997, gave Crawley 1-0 lead three minutes after half-time with an incredible 25 yard shot that flew into the right hand of McCracken.
Ashby Hammond then did a good job at the opposite end, denying Shaun Whalley in rapid succession and Seamus Conneely the substitute. The Reds won the game after 76 minute from the spot.
Crawley’s striker Orsi scored his second goal by shooting straight into the middle after defender Hills received a straight-red card for pushing down Orsi.
