Fans banned as Crawley gear up to face leaders Newport County

Those who have bought a match ticket for the game will be able to claim a full refund - see the club website for details.

It is a shame for fans who were looking forward to seeing what is a big game. Crawley go into Christmas in the top half of League Two and just three points off the play-off places. A win last Saturday at Leyton Orient saw them leapfrog their opponents and bring themselves closer to the play-off places.

However, their opponents on Boxing Day go into Christmas top of League Two, despite suffering a 4-2 defeat last time out at the hands of Oldham Athletic.

Newport have had a fantastic season so far and look like a side that could achieve promotion. Michael Flynn’s men are looking on the up again, after a

mid-table finish last season, following their defeat in the play-off final the year before.

They’ll be looking to avoid the play-offs this time round and go up automatically and are going about things the right way.

Top scorer Scott Twine has been a star in the Newport side, with six goals and six assists to his name. Twine scored an absolute rocket last time out, as he curled an effort into the top corner from 25 yards out and will be looking to continue his fine form.

Despite Twine’s efforts and Newport’s excellent star they are without a win in their previous three and are in danger of losing top spot if they fail to win once again at Crawley.

Forest Green Rovers and Carlisle United are breathing down the Exiles’ neck and they’ll be looking to hold on to that top spot for as long as they can.

County know that they won’t be in for an easy game against a Crawley side in good form and with a good home record. The Reds are unbeaten in six games in all competitions. Goals are almost a guarantee with Crawley, and with Max Watters, Tom Nichols and Ashley Nadesan in brilliant form there is always going to be a threat.

Although Watters took his tally to 16 in all competitions last week the work of the rest of the team can’t go unnoticed, as they are making the chances for Watters to finish. If the Reds can continue to create chances, they will always pose a threat and can cause any team lots of problems.

They just need to remain solid defensively and they will be very capable of moving up into the play-off places.