By Jan-Malte Wagener

Crawley winger Jordan Roberts is ready to fill the boots of departed top scorer James Collins.

Roberts got both goals as he partnered Enzio Boldewijn up front in Reds’ 4-4-2 line-up as they won 2-0 against Yeovil for their first home success under Harry Kewell.

Roberts’ flexibility was needed due to the absence of the injured Thomas Verheydt, departure of Matt Harrold and with recent loan signing Ibrahim Meite still searching for match fitness.

He took his tally to three goals in his last two appearances and enjoyed his stint leading the line alongside Boldewijn.

Roberts told The Argus: “When it comes down to me and Enzio it’s our job to hold it up and bring midfielders into play with us.

“Obviously, with James Collins leaving someone has to step up, if not all of us, and carry on and show the fans what they are missing.

“Anywhere I play on the pitch I try to contribute as much as I can – defending, attacking, scoring goals. I am out there to do a job and I work hard.

“I can imagine (getting more goals) because the role the gaffer has given me is a bit of freedom.

“I like to shoot whenever I get a bit of space. But when I get out there I have to do a job. When I get my chances I try to take them like I’ve done in the last two games.”

Yeovil could have taken an early lead but Francois Zoko wasted a chance when free in front of Glenn Morris.

Roberts gave Reds a 12th-minute lead when he pounced on a mistake by the Yeovil defence to fire home from the edge of the area.

Roberts added his second six minutes after the restart when Yeovil were left appealing for offside as Boldewijn broke down the right before crossing for his strike partner to slot home.

Asked whether he played as a striker in earlier stages of his career, Roberts admitted: “Not really, if anything I’ve been a midfielder.

“Two years ago in Scotland I played down the middle a bit but with injuries it wasn’t really a consistent season.”

Crawley manager Kewell was pleased with his ‘striker’s’ performance but expected nothing less.

He said: “In this day and age you’ve got to be able to adjust your play and style. You can come as a winger; you can find yourself in the middle of the park. That’s just the things we are working on.

“And we have great people on the bench ready to fill their boots if they don’t get goals. He works for the team; he is a real team player. But that’s what I mean – it’s not just one person, everyone is working together and you can see that.”