Football News Update: Crawley Start Strong in League One Return with 2-1 Victory over Blackpool
In a thrilling start to their League One campaign, Crawley Town clinched a hard-fought 2-1 home win over Blackpool on the opening day of the season.
The newly-promoted side, returning to the third tier after a nine-year absence, took the lead through first-half goals from Rushian Hepburn-Murphy and Junior Quitirna. Substitute Ashley Fletcher scored a late consolation for the visitors, but Crawley held on for a deserved victory in front of a crowd of nearly 5,000 at the Broadfield Stadium.
Crawley Take the Lead
Hepburn-Murphy opened the scoring in the 16th minute, slotting the ball past Blackpool goalkeeper Daniel Grimshaw after being played through by midfielder Jeremy Kelly. Quitirna then doubled Crawley’s advantage midway through the first half, firing an angled shot into the top corner following a pass from Ronan Darcy.
Blackpool Threaten but Crawley Hold On
Blackpool threatened to get back into the game before the break, with Ollie Norburn’s powerful shot hitting the post, but they struggled to create clear-cut chances in the second half. The visitors did pull a goal back in the 74th minute when Fletcher’s attempted clearance deflected off his own legs and into the net, but Crawley goalkeeper Jojo Wollacott made a crucial save to deny Elliot Embleton and preserve the home side’s lead.
“The victory marks a positive start to the season for Crawley, who will be looking to build on this performance as they aim to establish themselves in League One. Meanwhile, Blackpool will be hoping to bounce back quickly from this disappointment as they seek to challenge for promotion from the third tier.”
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