Crawley Town turn up on the pitch but where were the fans?

It was time for Crawley Town’s players to stand up and be counted. They had spent the opening half hour largely on the back foot as visitors Luton Town showed more desire and more all-round ability.
Crawley Town fan Geoff Thornton gives his news in  his new column SUS-150216-162649002Crawley Town fan Geoff Thornton gives his news in  his new column SUS-150216-162649002
Crawley Town fan Geoff Thornton gives his news in his new column SUS-150216-162649002

Then came a rather fluky goal for Cameron McGeehan that gave Luton a merited lead but sadly denied new keeper Darryl Flahavan a clean sheet on his debut.

The Reds held out until half-time and went on to dominate the second half. Luton were knocked out of their stride and the match was won by two expertly taken goals.

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Gwion Edwards was superb on either flank and it was from the right that he crossed precisely to Rhys Murphy who had ghosted into space and headed the equaliser.

Matt Harrold’s low drive for the winner rewarded another battling display and demonstrated the striker’s class.

Other players, most notably Josh Yorwerth, either showed their superiority or raised their games from previous matches.

All in all it was enough to quieten the vociferous Hatters’ fans and that brings us back to counting.

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Luton’s support topped 1400 and got closer to the horrendous prospect of the away supporters at Broadfield Stadium outnumbering the home fans.

A lot of the season is still to come but CEO Michael Dunford must be concerned at the level of regular support for the Reds at home.

The players are doing their best with the indication they may have turned the corner but the residents of Crawley are significant by their absence.

It is true that many more now pass through the turnstiles than in the days at Town Mead that were recalled in the 119th anniversary programme but the club has moved on and the locals don’t seem to care.

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The Hatters’ fans took great delight in evidencing the lack of noise and pointed out “You’re supposed to be at home” but they shut up in the end.

I wonder where are Crawley’s “Ultras” as the Bruce Winfield Stand looked half empty but the more reserved occupants of the West Stand were just as quiet.

The campaign has to be contested both on and off the pitch and it is off it that the greatest shortfall is to be found.

The coming week brings two exceedingly long round trips to Morecambe and Hartlepool.

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Understandably not many will take on the best part of 1200 miles over five days but it would nice if another 3000 plus gate watched the game against York City.

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