Crawley eased their relegation fears with a comfortable win over Merthyr at Broadfield Stadium.

Goals in either half by Gus Hurdle and John Ugbah gave Billy Smith's side a priceless success against fellow strugglers. Reds created very few chances in the scrappy first 10 minutes, and the visitors looked the more confident side.

Merthyr should have taken the lead when Craig Evans crossed from the right and the incoming Craig Lima scooped the ball over the bar. Reds then created their first real chance after 32 minutes, when midfielder Hurdle chipped the ball into Clinton Moore.

But with only the keeper to beat, the striker could only head straight into the arms of the grateful Mark Jones. The Reds' faithful were given something to cheer about when, on the stroke of half time, a hopeful cross was only half cleared, and Hurdle smashed home from 25 yards to give Reds the lead.

The second half was a more lively affair, with both Moore and Jay Lovett going close. Crawley wrapped the game up in the 67th minute when from Lovett's throw, Keith Sharman headed against the bar and skipper John Ugbah lashed home from close range.

Reds could have added to the score late on, but will still be happy to have gained another valuable three points. Crawley are now seven points ahead of fouth bottom Gloucester City with a game in hand, and their double over Merthyr takes them three points clear of the Welshmen, eight places off the foot of the table.

On Saturday, they travel to leaders Boston who are now eight points clear of Bath, who lost last night and now have just two matches in hand.

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