Party time at Broadfield Stadium

Not only was defender Ian Payne celebrating two late quickfire goals that pulled Crawley eight points clear

of the Premier Division relegation zone, but also his engagement.

The 23-year-old spot-kick specialist will wed former club barmaid Julie Gray next summer and was throwing an engagement party at the Broadfield Stadium after masterminding his side's late comeback.

Gloucester had deservedly moved ahead five minutes into the second half, but a 77th-minute penalty and a wonderful solo effort five minutes later tipped the scales in Reds' favour.

Before his knees-up, the marksman admitted: "It's turning out to be a good day."

Payne, who met Julie 18 months ago at the stadium's social club after a match, was particularly pleased with his clincher.

He controlled the ball on his chest and stepped inside two challenges before thumping home from 20 yards.

One could be forgiven for mistaking Payne for a striker, but the defender admits he did use to ply his trade in the frontline.

He said: "When I was a kid I used to play up front and was reasonably prolific.

"I'm not good enough to play up there now, but I knew when the ball came to me I was going to control it first.

"So many times I've hit it first time and the ball has flown over the stand, the A23 and into Thomas Bennett School! Everyone in their defence and the keeper thought I was going to shoot.

"That meant when I controlled it, I was given time to step inside the two markers because they were already committed to blocking the shot and thankfully my eventual effort tucked past the keeper nicely."

Payne had already coolly converted from the spot after Folkestone referee Michael McCoy dubiously adjudged Gloucester defender Mark Abbott had handled substitute Clinton Moore's right-flank cross.

It was harsh on the West Country side who had until Reds levelled, controlled the game and were belying their third-from-bottom position.

Boss Billy Smith said: "I think they'll be disappointed not to have got something out of it. They came here to win and I think they had to. But, although they had most of the play, I think we had the better chances."

They proved big and strong and the hosts were fortunate to go in at the interval with the scores level after good opportunities were squandered by Ross Casey, Mike Wyatt and Karl Bayliss.

After Gloucester did eventually move ahead, Reds still lacked punch, but Smith pulled off what proved a tactical masterstroke by pushing three up front when he brought on Moore for defender Lee Doherty.

This sparked new life into Reds and the pressure eventually told with the two Payne goals.

Smith admitted: "I should've made the change earlier, but thankfully it was made in time to make a difference.

"Gloucester definitely surprised us. They were a lot better than when we played down their place earlier in the season.

"These three points were vital and we're now aiming to win all our games until the end of the season, including Bath on Tuesday night.

"We were unlucky to lose at Boston last week, which shows we can live with the best teams at this level.

"Our survival hasn't been secured yet. I've got to make sure the boys don't get too complacent.

"A couple of defeats will put us right back into the thick of it again."

But buoyant Payne believes there's no chance of complacany creeping in. He said: "We're very confident at the moment and our results, one defeat in the last nine, shows we're playing well.

"There's a great atmosphere at the club. We have a few jokers in the changing room and that all comes with a side that's doing well.

"We're not going to have any problems staying up now."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.