Crawley 2 – 0 Crewe
Crawley Town sealed promotion to League One after nine years away, after beating Crewe Alexandra 2-0 at Wembley.
Tipped by many for relegation before the start of the season, Crawley defied the odds and victory in the League Two play-off final on Sunday sees them reach the third tier for just the second time in their history, and the first since 2015.
Goals from Danilo Orsi and Liam Kelly late in each half proved enough for them to get the job done in sweltering conditions in London, and on Crawley’s first ever visit to Wembley in their 128-year history.
For Crewe, who were undoubtedly second best, a third-straight season in League Two beckons.
Crawley dominate final as VAR plays crucial role
It was a quiet first half for the most part, set alight in the closing stages by the brilliant move that saw Crawley open the scoring.
Orsi was the man who took the chance, after some brilliant combination play on the edge of the box with Kelly, before some superb footwork and a delightful teased finish with the outside of his boot beat Max Stryjek in the Crewe goal.
Neither manager wanted VAR at Wembley, but Crawley boss Scott Lindsey would have been delighted it was there early in the second half. Adam Campbell’s error allowed Chris Long a free run at goal. Referee Ben Toner then pointed to the spot after Corey Addai had appeared to bring him down. But replays showed that no contact was made between goalkeeper and forward, and the decision was rightly overturned.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
VAR overrules referee Ben Toner’s on-field penalty call after Crewe’s Chris Long went down in the Crawley area.
And Crawley would take advantage as they doubled their lead late on, as Kelly went from provider to scorer, seeing his cross deflect back to him, before finding the back of the net at the second time of asking.
Orsi: I couldn’t have imagined topping off the season with a play-off win!
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Crawley’s Danilo Orsi scores his 25th goal of a remarkable season to give Crawley a deserved lead at Wembley!
Crawley’s Danilo Orsi on Sky Sports Football:
“I don’t think there’s any words to describe it. We were the underdogs at the start of the season and to finally come away and say we’ve won the play-offs is an amazing feeling.
“I’ve had a good season and it’s thanks to the coaches and the rest of the players. We play football like that all day every day and I was just happy to put one in the back of the net today – and at Wembley.
“Coming here knowing I was going to be playing week in, week out was important. As a striker, you get into a bit of a rhythm and the manager and the rest of the players have given me so much confidence. To top it off with a play-off win, I couldn’t have imagined it!”
What’s next?
Crawley will return to play in Sky Bet League One for the 2024/25 season, while Crewe will remain in Sky Bet League Two for another year.
