Crawley's push for the Conference has received another boost after they managed to secure defender Jay Lovett's services for a third month.

The Brentford fullback could be called back at any time by boss Steve Coppell, but Lovett expects to be available for Reds' crucial Christmas programme which starts with tomorrow's trip to Hednesford Town.

Lovett has played in eight games since re-joining the club at the end of October and Crawley have lost just once in that time.

He said: "I spoke to the manager Billy Smith and Steve on Wednesday and it's all fixed up for me to stay for another month.

"Brentford have got a couple of injuries at the moment but not in my position. But I can be called back at any time, there is always the risk of injuries because we play so many games over Christmas and New Year."

The news is a welcome boost for Smith whose team are three points clear at the top of the Dr Martens premier division going into the trip to Keys Park.

Nearest challengers Weymouth failed to significantly close the gap last weekend when they were held to a goalless draw by King's Lynn.

Crawley, meanwhile, haven't played since extending their unbeaten league record to nine games when they defeated Worcester City 1-0 a fortnight ago.

Smith said: "It's been a busy time so the lads have probably appreciated a couple of weeks off. Hopefully it will make them even hungrier when we start again on Saturday."

Warren Bagnall (thigh) and Marc Pullan (knee ligaments) have been having extensive treatment during the break and should be fit for the trip to a Hednesford side beaten 4-1 on the opening day of the season.

The Pitmen, relegated from the Conference last season, are hovering just above the relegation zone after appointing former Walsall boss Kenny Hibbitt as their new manager last month.

Smith added: "It will be another hard game for us, they are all when you are top of the league and there to be shot at."

Crawley's postponed Dr Martens League Cup tie at home to Burnham has been re-arranged for Tuesday, January 8 (7.45pm).