Paul Groves: Experience was key in Crawley Town victory

Crawley Town coach Paul Groves believes experience is key for the Reds this season.
Crawley Town V Yeovil Town 27-9-14 (Pic by Jon and Joe Rigby) SUS-140929-105208002Crawley Town V Yeovil Town 27-9-14 (Pic by Jon and Joe Rigby) SUS-140929-105208002
Crawley Town V Yeovil Town 27-9-14 (Pic by Jon and Joe Rigby) SUS-140929-105208002

Marvin Elliott’s two quick-fire goals on Saturday proved the difference to get back his side back to winning ways, and something Crawley have been lacking.

Groves has hailed the impact Elliott and fellow midfield addition Keith Keane have had on the squad.

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He said: “I think the first 20 minutes in the second half was obviously where the game was won from our point of view, so big credit to the lads there.

Crawley Town V Yeovil Town 27-9-14 (Pic by Jon and Joe Rigby) SUS-140929-104853002Crawley Town V Yeovil Town 27-9-14 (Pic by Jon and Joe Rigby) SUS-140929-104853002
Crawley Town V Yeovil Town 27-9-14 (Pic by Jon and Joe Rigby) SUS-140929-104853002

“We converted the chances and then put them on the back foot so we can be pleased with that spell in the game.

“The first was good play and the second was in and around a set play, but I felt, in that 20-minute period, we kept the ball better so were able to get Marvin and Keano forward at the right times.

“I felt they gave us a base to play from and in that period, when you keep the ball for longer periods, it enables the central midfield players to keep up with play and arrive in the box as and when they need to and that’s what Marvin was able to do.

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“You have to remember with people like Marv and Keano, it’s only their second game as such and they are still getting to know people and they are big players in the middle of the pitch. It’s a key area for any team, to come in and find their feet.

“What has been shown is that when you are able to fill a team with an experienced group of players like that, that have that bit of know-how, they have that bit of experience at the right time in games and you can punish the opposition.

“At the right time, when we are pressing, when we have a good spell you can make the difference, and I think in one or two of the games we have not been able to convert our chances, that’s the difference.”

Groves is hoping that the experience that former Bristol man Elliott and Preston midfielder Keane will have a positive effect on the rest of the squad.

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He added: “In the past, one or two younger players have come in and done well for short periods of time. When you ask them to do it over a longer period of time or put two or three games together of a high standard to go and win games, it’s difficult.

“It’s certainly not for the want of trying, but when you ask senior professionals to come in they will improve and get better as a group and individually as well.

“They will get better and it only needs someone like Marv on their day to convert that opportunity and that makes a hell of a difference because as it’s shown that’s the hardest thing to do, to score a goal and I am delighted.”