Nichols goal not enough as Crawley lose to Salford

Brandon Thomas-Asante and Jordan Turnbull gave the hosts a two-goal advantage before Tom Nichols’ header set up a grandstand finish but the result means Gary Bowyer’s side move within four points of the Sky Bet League Two play-off places.

The hosts opened the scoring in the 18th minute, Matt Smith’s half-volley came crashing off the post before City top scorer Thomas-Asante tapped in the rebound for his 10th of the campaign.

The Ammies thought they doubled their advantage straight after the break when Smith bundled home from close range only for it to be ruled offside.

Tom Nichols scored for Crawley against Salford City

The home side added their second with 11 minutes to go when Turnbull was on hand to convert following a free-kick which was initially tipped onto the crossbar.

Three minutes later, Crawley pulled a goal back when Mark Marshall’s free-kick met the head of Nichols who flicked past Frank Fielding but it was not enough to stop Salford from claiming the points.

After the game Crawley assistant manager Lewis Young felt there was not a lot between the two sides but was disappointed not to see his team pick anything up from the game.

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Young said: “It’s disappointing, I think we had a few moments in the game generally played between the two boxes and thee were not massive opportunities for either team.

“They made their two chances count and ultimately they’ve beaten us 2-1.

“We’re not a team that’s ever going to not give our all until the end of the game, it’s just their strength of character that they don’t ever give up.

“The boys inside are a little bit deflated and disappointed, but we’re a team and we stick together regardless and I have to take it on the chin and say we set us up a little bit wrong.”