Crystal Palace loanee Jackson Izquierdo made his first senior start for Crawley Town in a 1-1 League Two draw with Northampton Town on Tuesday night. The 21-year-old goalkeeper was part of a resilient Reds display that earned a point despite playing with ten men for the final half-hour.
Dion Pereira's second-half strike cancelled out Nathan Okopu's opener for the visitors, who had capitalised on a rebound from Izquierdo's initial save. The result, reported by SussexWorld, gives Crawley four points from their opening four matches, placing them 17th in League Two with a record of one win, one draw, and two losses. Their recent form reads DLWL, and they have scored three goals while conceding five, leaving them with a -2 goal difference.
How did Izquierdo perform on his debut?
Jackson Izquierdo's introduction was necessitated by injuries to senior goalkeepers. Vito Mannone hurt his hand in the season's first game, and his replacement Nicolas Michalski also became unavailable, making Izquierdo the third different keeper used by Crawley this campaign. The young loanee could not prevent Northampton's goal, as Nathan Okopu poked home the loose ball after a save, but he settled into the match thereafter. His performance was backed by key saves from substitute Zach Jeacock later in the game, which helped secure the point.
Izquierdo was positive about the team's overall display. "I thought we were very good," he said. "I thought we played the football we really wanted to play." He acknowledged the ongoing process of integration for a squad that made 17 new signings during the transfer window, a group you can view on our squad page.
Where does this leave Crawley in the early table?
The single point leaves Crawley Town in 17th position, already five points behind early leaders Bristol Rovers. It continues a pattern of stronger results on the road, with all four of their points coming from two away games. They have lost both of their home fixtures so far, including this draw at the Broadfield Stadium. The team's defensive record shows five goals conceded, a figure they will aim to improve as the season progresses.
What is the immediate challenge for the squad?
Scott Lindsey's side must quickly regroup for their next League Two assignment, a trip to face Accrington Stanley this Saturday. The match presents an opportunity to build on their decent away form. The manager will also be considering his goalkeeping options, with Mannone's return from injury being monitored on our injuries page. The red card shown to a Crawley player around the 60-minute mark in the Northampton game may also influence selection.
Izquierdo highlighted the need for continued development. "We’re still a newish team," the goalkeeper noted. "I know we’ve had a couple of weeks together now but it’s still fine-tuning the play between each other." That process continues at the Wham Stadium this weekend, a fixture you can find on our fixtures list. Crawley Town travel to Accrington Stanley on Saturday, September 5th.
