James Tilley is enjoying a new role at Crawley.
The former Albion wideman impressed in a more central berth as Reds came from three down to draw 3-3 at home to QPR.
His goal kick-started the comeback against Championship opponents.
Reds boss Kevin Betsy said: “Tilley has played really well in pre-season and popped up in the No.8 role today with a really good strike.
“He’s a really nice footballer in and out of possession.
“We want players who are adaptable. We are not going to play a back three all season.
“He’s a good footballer. We need good footballers who can adapt.”
Tom Nichols, with a penalty, and Manny Adebowale were also on target.
A crowd of 2,674 – about half of whom were away fans – enjoyed the entertainment.
Betsy said: “All the players who played today did their best, we just need to raise our levels in certain areas of the pitch.”
Eastbourne Borough won 1-0 at home to AFC Wimbledon with Chris Whelpdale on target before a crowd of 753.
Javaun Splatt and a trialist scored as Whitehawk beat Dulwich Hamlet 2-0.
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