TASTE OF THE TERRACE: Crawley must concentrate 100 per cent

Would the late lapses of concentration disappear and the goals against column show an improvement?

The defeat by Plymouth Argyle was less than the hard-working Reds deserved, especially as the efficient Pilgrims now top the table.

Full reward for their efforts had come in last Tuesday’s 3-0 win at Newport County along with some personal glory for Gwion Edwards who struck two excellent goals before setting up the third for Matt Harrold.

At Plymouth it was very much a team effort which can’t be easy with so many newcomers in the side.

The defence seemed more assured with Josh Yorwerth looking especially strong whilst upfront Rhys Murphy again showed promise.

The striker may have to consider buying new boots, however, given the number of times he lost his footing but he was far from being alone.

Maybe the prolific Home Park sprinklers were delivering iced water. At least Mark Yates is sticking to his pre-season promise to play two strikers if at all possible.

Once again the refereeing disappointed although not for the same reasons we have seen in recent games.

Stuart Attwell whipped out his yellow card early on as Gary Sawyer took out Lewis Young in the most cynical fashion but thereafter every strong challenge received the same fate. There were three cautions for each side but it was in no way a dirty game.

I suggested before that possibly the Reds are too nice and maybe that applies to their fans as well.

Not for the first time this season a splendid ovation greeted the appearance of an opposition player.

This time it was heard for our former skipper Josh Simpson whose arrival was quickly followed by a plaintive and heartfelt chant of “Can we swap our number eights?” Tellingly the contribution of Town’s former coach Craig Brewster was also recognised by the club’s truest supporters.

The luck may not yet be with us but the fighting spirit is there for all to see. The Reds have faced six of the top seven clubs in the division and have scrapped their way to creditable draws against three of them.

Unfortunately there is no respite as they entertain Leyton Orient next Saturday.

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