Crawley comfortably won 2-0 at Halesowen Town to erase the memory of their midweek defeat to Dover.

Reds moved into fourth spot in the Premier Division thanks to two goals from striker Nic McDonnell.

Manager Billy Smith said: "When we had the ball we passed it about and really we had most of the game.

"We are trying to keep to an average of two points a game and we are just a point behind that now."

Smith made three changes from the side that lost 3-0 to Dover, with captain Peter Fear and Neil Le Bihan replacing Danny Hockton and Kevin Hemsley, while 20-year-old goalkeeper Tommy Dunn, signed fropm Sutton, replaced the unavailable Andy Little.

Crawley were the first side to win at The Grove this season, with the home side's previous five games ending in draws.

Halesowen's Kirk Master, making his full debut after signing from Shepshed Dynamo, went close in the fifth minute when he beat his marker but pulled his shot wide.

Reds had a goal ruled out as referee Cox disallowed a Mo Harkin free-kick on 12 minutes.

Crawley looked potent in attack but failed to hurt Halesowen despite the creative flair of wide men Harkin and Le Bihan.

In the 19th minute a cross from Harkin saw Le Bihan hook a volley just wide.

Debutant Master looked most likely to score for the Yeltz. Strike partner Rob Elmes dispossessed Ellis Hooper in the 29th minute and set free Master, whose low cross needed only a touch.

Crawley could have taken the lead in the 31st minute as Fear flicked on but Richard Colwell headed over his own crossbar with Le Bihan about to pounce.

Le Bihan and Harkin went close before Reds went ahead in the 73rd minute.

Clarke saved from Dave Stevens but Fear whipped the ball back in and McDonnell tapped home.

The three points were secured in the 81st minute as Harkin volleyed a superb pass to McDonnell, who rounded Clarke before firing in his second.

Halesowen: Clarke, Colwell, Burnham, Smith, Collins, Newall, Quiggin, Master, Elmes, Spencer, Hines. Subs: Leadbeater, Reece, Ashby, Shanahan, Taylor.

Crawley: Dunn, Judge, Cooksey, Hooper, Pullan, Fear, Holmes, Harkin, McDonnell, Stevens, Le Bihan. Subs: Hockton, Hemsley, Payne, Brake, McKoy.

Referee: Mr. P. Cox (Bedford).