Crawley earn point against in-form Sheffield United

A late penalty scuppered Crawley’s hopes of a third win league win on the bounce against in-form Sheffield United this afternoon.

Crawley soaked up an hour of relentless pressure before finding the first goal of the game through a Richard Wood header from close range in the 62nd minute. 

The goal sparked the lacklustre hosts to life - though the celebrations were muted ten minutes from time when United were awarded a spot kick.

The penalty came courtesy of good work from United’s Matt Done on the right wing. Done drove into the Crawley box but was shoved in the back by Reds defender Ryan Dickson.

The referee had no hesitation in pointing straight to the spot - the Crawley man lucky to stay on the pitch with only a booking.

It was Blades substitute Marc McNulty who stepped up and calmly slotted the ball down the middle to give the visitors the equaliser.

United turned the screw in the final ten minutes. Jamie Murphy had a right footed shot blocked in the centre of the box before the hosts were forced to defend a flurry of late corners.

Crawley started the first half slowly - their best chance coming from a 25-yard Pogba drive in the 9th minute.

But it was the visitors who took the initiative with slick movement and passing down both flanks.

The Blades' best chance of the first half came when Ryan Flynn beat two defenders on the right and drilled a low cross into the box for a waiting Jamie Murphy, whose goalbound shot was deflected over the bar.

To Crawley's merit, they soaked up the pressure well and defended with conviction until the break - though they offered little going forward.

United started the second half as they finished the first - firmly in control of the game.

However Crawley opened the scoring thanks to the strong Pogba, who held off two United players before drawing a foul on the right side. 

The free kick was whipped in by Wordsworth and met by the leaping home debutant Richard Wood, who guided it into the back of the net.

The goal temporarily brought the hosts to life - but the late penalty decision meant Crawley left the Checkatrade.com stadium with a only point.

In his post-match interview, Crawley boss Dean Saunders confirmed defender Joe Walsh had joined MK Dons on loan today, subject to a medical. 

More to follow...