Stephen Duke-McKenna's return from injury sparked a 4-0 win for Crawley Town against Bromley in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday. The victory provides a significant morale boost for a side sitting 24th in League Two with just one win from their first seven games.
Duke-McKenna scored twice, either side of a bizarre own goal double from the visitors, in a dominant display at the Broadfield Stadium. The hosts controlled the game with 66% possession and created 22 shots, a stark contrast to their recent league struggles where they have conceded 13 goals. Crawley manager Colin Kazım-Richards made five changes to his starting line-up, handing a first start to defender Harry Ransom.
Manager questions 'silly' rule
The only post-match debate centred on whether Duke-McKenna should have been credited with a hat-trick. The opening goal in the 35th minute was officially recorded as a Nathan Patten own goal, a decision that frustrated manager Colin Kazım-Richards. The manager believed Duke-McKenna's powerful strike was on target before taking a deflection. "I was going to talk to Sam [Gadsdon] about it later to see if we can appeal that, but that's silly, it's a silly rule," Kazım-Richards said.
Any controversy was quickly forgotten as Crawley took full control after half-time. Louie Watson, one of five half-time substitutes, set up Duke-McKenna to fire home three minutes after the restart. Just three minutes later, Bromley goalkeeper Rex Porter turned the ball into his own net to make it 3-0. Duke-McKenna completed the scoring in stoppage time, converting a pass from Osman Kamara, who was later booked for a foul.
Looking ahead to Chesterfield
The comprehensive win, which you can review in our stats section, is a timely confidence builder. Duke-McKenna emphasised the squad's potential, stating, "There’s so many players in that changing room, who can go and put one, two goals in." Manager Kazım-Richards echoed the sentiment.
That test comes immediately, as Crawley Town host eighth-placed Chesterfield in League Two this Saturday. The Reds will hope to translate their Trophy form into a much-needed league result, with their full upcoming schedule available on the fixtures page. The team remains 12 points adrift of leaders Salford City, making a positive result against the Spireites essential.
Crawley Town manager Colin Kazım-Richards said the 4-0 win over Bromley has created a selection dilemma ahead of Saturday's home game against Chesterfield. The manager made five half-time changes in the Trophy match and saw strong returns from players like Stephen Duke-McKenna. "So now it's like, what do you do?" Kazım-Richards said. The club, sitting 24th in League Two with four points from seven games, will assess the squad on Thursday. The manager added he wanted to keep players fresh and protect others ahead of the league fixture.
Crawley Town midfielder Stephen Duke-McKenna said the team's 4-0 Trophy win over Bromley should provide the confidence to "fly up the table." He told the club's newsroom, "I have no doubt we can fly up the table." The Reds, who sit 24th in League Two with four points from seven games, host Chesterfield on Saturday.
Crawley Town midfielder Stephen Duke-McKenna said he was "going insane on the sidelines" while injured. He made his return in Tuesday's 4-0 Trophy win over Bromley, scoring twice. Duke-McKenna praised the club's medical staff for their work during his recovery. The 24th-placed Reds, who have scored six league goals this season, host Chesterfield on Saturday.
