Lindsey Frustrated as Missed Chances Haunt Crawley’s Season Start

Crawley Town manager Scott Lindsey expressed his frustration over missed opportunities and defensive lapses that ultimately cost the Reds in their 2-1 defeat to Newport County.

Photo by Natalie Mayhew-Butterfly Football

Despite dominating large parts of the match, Crawley found themselves two goals down after quickfire strikes from Harry Whitmore and Liam Shephard just three minutes apart.

Substitute Max Anderson scored a late consolation in stoppage time, but it was too little, too late as Crawley's wait for their first points of the season continues.

Speaking after the game, Lindsey insisted Crawley were the better side, but their failure to convert chances ultimately led to the defeat.

"I think if there's an example of not taking your chances, today was it," said the 53-year-old.

"We had some real gilt-edged chances that should have put the game to bed. We didn't take them, and then they went up the other end and cut through us far too easily for the first goal.

"Three minutes later, they scored from a set piece we had worked on and discussed in meetings all week. We weren't marking in the box at the far post, which is criminal.

"If we don't take our chances, we're not going to win a game of football. We had around 18 shots on goal, six or seven on target, and some gilt-edged opportunities.

"In fact, our biggest chance wasn't even on target. If we score those goals, we win the game. But in front of goal at the moment, we're not doing our job."

"We played against a team that are relentless and keep going to the end, and we came away with nothing. [...] I thought we dominated the game, were the better side, and had the better chances. But if you don't put them away, you don't win football matches."

Photo by Natalie Mayhew-Butterfly Football

Since taking charge of Crawley, Scott Lindsey has overseen a significant turnover of players each transfer window, and this summer was no exception with 10 new signings joining the Reds.

However, after this period of rebuilding, Lindsey is now focused on finding stability within the side and has urged the fans to stick with the squad as they work to gel on the pitch.

"It's a new team, and that's what we've had pretty much every window. We want a bit of stability now and to build on the team. We don't want to sign seven or eight players every window, just improve by one or two each time.

"This is a new beginning. I thought the fans were good today. Yes, there's frustration, and I understand that. But the worry would be if we hadn't created anything, and we have. Even at Grimsby, as poor as we were, we still created big chances, though we didn't take them.

"The fans have been great, and I know they will continue to be. We just have to give them something to be grateful for — goals."