Crewe boosted their Sky Bet League Two play-off challenge with a 1-0 victory at Crawley as midfielder Tommi O’Reilly’s stunning late goal secured the points.
This was only Crewe’s second away league success since October and keeps them firmly in the pack chasing the top seven.
Out-of-sorts Crawley created few clear-cut chances as they suffered their first defeat in four games.
Boss Scott Lindsey went into the clash insisting it was not a case of “job done” for his new-look Crawley team, and he did not want anyone to think they had done enough.
Crawley keeper Jacob Chapman made straightforward early saves from Owen Lunt and O’Reilly, the Aston Villa loanee later shooting wide after cutting in dangerously.
The Red Devils came to life shortly after the break when substitute Lewis Richards forced keeper Ian Lawlor to parry his fierce 25-yard drive.
Crawley had the ball in the net on the hour mark, but referee Benjamin Speedie ruled that Danilo Orsi had handled before netting.
O’Reilly gave Crewe the lead in great style in the 77th minute by superbly volleying in a cross by Reece Hutchinson at the far post.
O’Reilly should have scored again when firing over from a good position six minutes from time.
And Crewe threatened again deep into stoppage time when the on-rushing Matus Holicek forced keeper Chapman to make a fine double save.
