Assistant boss Brian Owen sang the praises of recalled stopper Lee Doherty as Crawley ground out a 0-0 draw at Havant yesterday.

Owen took charge with manager Billy Smith enjoying a break after a hectic spell of eight games in 16 days.

He said: "I thought we looked solid at the back and could have nicked it.

"Lee has had his critics in the past but we brought him in today and I thought he was outstanding."

The Premier Division clash was a scrappy affair on a bumpy pitch but Crawley will be pleased with a cleansheet after leaking nine goals in less than a week.

Reds striker Mark Hynes was twice denied by sharp saved from home goalkeeper Steve May.

Lee Richardson was not far away with an angled shot after combining well with the busy Francis Vines on 74 minutes.

For all the promptings of former Albion striker Paul Wood, Havant only threatened when player-manager Liam Daish rumbled forward at set pieces.

He had a header well blocked by Andy Little and sent another just too high in the first half.

Little impressed with his handling under pressure in the first half but was given an east ride after the break.

On Saturday, Dean Wordsworth was sent off as Crawley's season took another turn for the worst when they suffered a 2-0 home defeat against Tamworth 48 hours after their League Cup final mauling against Worcester.

Goals in each half from Richard Follett and Warren Haughton served to infuriate further the 539 fans present, with unrest growing among the home support by the final whistle.

Wordsworth, who missed the final through injury, was sent off for violent conduct.

Meanwhile, Langney Sports manager Garry Wilson slammed his side after their 1-0 eastern division defeat at Baldock Town.

Wilson said: "The first 45 minutes was as bad as we have played all year. We let them play football and we just couldn't get into it. But I thought we deserved something out of the game in the second half."

Gary Walker got the winner in the 40th minute while Nathan Godden impressed for Sports.