Patrick Strike Seals Tranmere Victory at Broadfield Stadium

Crawley Town's defensive issues and lack of cutting edge in front of goal proved costly as they fell to a 2-0 defeat against Tranmere Rovers at the Broadfield Stadium.

Tranmere celebrate taking the lead. Photo by Tranmere Rovers via X

The Reds went into the game hoping to build on their midweek 1-1 draw with MK Dons but were left frustrated after failing to convert any of their 21 attempts on goal. Their resistance was broken from a set piece, with aerial duels once again proving costly. Omari Patrick's corner was met by Nathan Smith, whose header found the bottom corner to give the visitors the lead.

Crawley's task became even harder late on when Patrick sealed the result with a stunning volley, leaving Scott Lindsey's side still just one place above the relegation zone.

The defeat means Crawley remain winless after five league matches, with four losses in that run. Tranmere, meanwhile, climb to ninth on eight points, holding a game in hand on every other League Two side apart from Accrington Stanley.

Crawley manager Lindsey made one change to his starting XI, with Kyle Scott returning to midfield in place of the injured Jay Williams. Kaheim Dixon, Harry McKirdy and Louie Watson supported Kabongo Tshimanga in attack, while Danny Cashman and Ade Adeyemo operated on the flanks.

For Tranmere, Ethan Bristow replaced Taylan Harris in their only change from the 1-1 draw with Gillingham the previous week.

The hosts began brightly with Dixon dragging an early effort wide after being picked out by Dion Conroy's driving run from midfield. McKirdy went close shortly after, shooting narrowly off target before setting up Tshimanga, who lifted his attempt over the bar. McKirdy later tested visiting goalkeeper Luke McGee with a chipped effort from distance.

McKirdy attempts to break the deadlock in the first half. Photo by CTFC Via X

Tranmere grew into the game and created their first chance midway through the half when Patrick volleyed over from a corner. Crawley continued to threaten, with McKirdy going closest before the break when his curling strike was headed off the line by Patrick Brough. Adeyemo then fired over as the sides went in level at the interval.

Crawley again saw more of the ball at the start of the second half but were unable to turn possession into clear opportunities. Dixon tried an overhead kick that failed to trouble McGee, before Tranmere found the breakthrough. From their seventh corner, Patrick's delivery was flicked on by Smith, whose header found the bottom corner in the 56th minute.

Lindsey turned to his bench, introducing new loanee Geraldo Bajrami among several substitutions in search of a response. But with ten minutes remaining, Patrick doubled Tranmere's lead in spectacular fashion.

Adeyemo's attempted chest pass towards Conroy fell loose, and Patrick pounced, striking a first-time volley over Harvey Davies and into the net.

Crawley pushed for a response late on, with McGee producing an excellent diving save during a penalty-area scramble before Cashman's close-range effort was blocked by Brough. Tranmere stood firm to see out a 2-0 victory in Sussex, extending Crawley's difficult start to the season.