Grimsby Town 2, Crawley Town 1: Disappointing night for Reds as late strike denies them a point
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There were four changes to the side which beat Colchester United 1-0 on Saturday with Joe McNerney, Josh Wright, Sam Matthews and goal hero James Tilley all coming into the starting line-up.
There were early chances for Ashley Nadesan and Jordan Tunnicliffe but it was the the home side who took the lead - and it was a familiar face in Filipe Morais who scored with a sweet strike on 21 minutes.
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Hide AdBut nine minutes later, a great switch between Wright and Tom Nichols before Powell retrieved a long cross and Wright hit the deck awarding Reds a free-kick. Powell took responsibility and curled the free kick into the top corner to equalise.
Wright was then booked for a sliding challenge on half-way.
Chances then started to come Reds' way and Matthews’ deflected effort dropped into the path of Nadesan who volleyed onto the woodwork before Wright's effort was deflected wide.
Powell had a similar chance to give the Reds the lead ten minutes into the second half but this time he shoot over the target.
Archie Davies and Jake Hesketh replaced Tilley and Matthews midway through the second half.
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Hide AdWith 12 minutes left, Nichols had a good chance to give Reds the lead but his header was saved by Jake Eastwood in the Mariner's goal.
But it was the home side who scored next after Elliott Hewitt’s throw fell to Joe Adams in the box who improvised and flicked it over his shoulder and in at the back post.
Tarryn Allarakhia replaced Wright after the goal before Davide Rodari came on for Nadesan.
It was another disappointing night for the Reds who dominated the game but came away with nothing.
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