Michel Kuipers hopes Crawley escape the drop from the EFL.

The former Reds goalkeeper would love a successful escape act to be part of an upbeat end to the season for Sussex clubs.

Crawley host Tranmere today and Colchester on Tuesday as they look to climb out of the League Two relegation zone.

Kuipers joined Reds on their rise through the divisions after several distinguished season with Albion.

He said: “We were promoted two years on the bounce and the club was going up and developing, not just on the pitch but off the pitch as well.

“League survival is something that needs addressing because, if you get relegated from that division, it’s very hard to get back up.

“If you look at the teams who are competing at the top of the National League, Wrexham and Notts County, they have very big squads and good budgets.

“It’s very hard to get promoted out of that league, especially automatically.

“So it’s very important for Crawley to stay in that division.

“Not just this season but for the longer-term future.

“There’s five cup finals there and they have got to go and win the majority of them.

“I hope so because it’s really good that see Sussex clubs going well.

“I’m looking at Brighton and Crawley in the professional leagues but I’m also looking at teams like Worthing.

“I went to watch them the other day and it’s great to see Adam Hinshelwood doing a fantastic job as manager.

“Eastbourne and Lewes are doing well.

“Adam was a team-mate at Brighton so I always follow them a little bit closer.”

Vanarama National League, south: Eastbourne Borough v Hemel Hempstead, Worthing v Braintree.

Isthmian League, premier division: Aveley v Horsham, Hastings v Bognor, Lewes v Haringey.

Isthmian League, south east: Beckenham v East Grinstead, Chichester v Ashford, Haywards Heath v Sevenoaks, Ramsgate v Whitehawk, Sheppey v Lancing, Sittingbourne v Burgess Hill, Three Bridges v Littlehampton (1pm).

Southern Combination, premier division: AFC Uckfield v Midhurst, Bexhill v Horsham YMCA, Broadbridge Heath v Crowborough, Eastbourne Town v Newhaven, Lingfield v Hassocks (at Hassocks), Loxwood v Old Vardeanian, Peacehaven v Eastbourne United, Roffey v Little Common, Saltdean v Alfold.

Southern Combination, division one: Arundel v East Preston, Epsom v Selsey, Forest Row v Chessington and Hook, Godalming v Oakwood, Montpelier Villa v Hailsham, Seaford v Shoreham, Wick v Billingshurst, Worthing United v Mile Oak.