by Jan-Malte Wagener

Jimmy Smith is a midfielder with a “licence to go forward” as he attempts to repeat history against Newport.

Smith scored the final goal in Red Devils’ 3-1 home win in a bad-tempered clash against Exiles last December.

Referee Nick Kinseley had to book 13 players including five yellows for Reds.

Smith scored a brace in Crawley’s 2-1 win at Barnet and is now his team’s top scorer.

Reds take on Newport tonight (7.45pm).

The skipper told The Argus: “The gaffer gives me that licence to go forward. But I must say that people are setting me up as well.

“It’s about me getting into the areas but it’s about them seeing me as well and it’s working.

“We have to remain positive. We keep doing what we are doing, keep believing in the way that we are playing, sticking together and grinding out results.

“The league is still tight and it’s about to keep picking up points.

“Sometimes we just need to focus. Focus on the next game but not get too carried away. Hopefully we can get the results and push up the league.

“This week it’s three games in seven days, nine points up for grab sand we want to get all nine.”

Manager Harry Kewell shifted the defensive formation for their visit in London as he put Josh Yorwerth, Josh Lelan and Mark Connolly into a back three.

Wing-backs Cedric Evina (left) and Lewis Young (right) supported them during Bees’ attacks.

After taking the important last-minute victory, Kewell wants to take the positivity into next games.

He said: “Of course you want to keep the momentum going. It’s an important game, it’s a home game. Newport is a very difficult team. They’ve done well, they’ve had a good start to the season.

“So for us we will go out there, play our own way and see what happens.”