Danilo Orsi's goal gave Crawley Town a vital three points away from home on Saturday. Blackwell's side won 1-0 at Oldham Athletic in a match defined by two first-half red cards for the hosts.
Orsi struck in the 52nd minute, converting a chance to decide a scrappy League Two contest. The victory lifts Crawley to 24th in the table, now on six points from 11 games, a record of one win, three draws and seven losses. They remain 22 points behind leaders Salford City but have closed the gap to the teams above them. The team's overall goal difference stands at minus nine, having scored 12 and conceded 21 this season.
The game's complexion changed dramatically inside the opening half-hour. Oldham's Kai Payne was sent off in the 14th minute for a serious foul. Kane Drummond followed him down the tunnel 16 minutes later, also shown a straight red, leaving the Latics with nine men for over an hour of play.
Crawley, lining up in a 4-1-4-1 formation, dominated possession with 60 percent but found clear chances hard to create against a packed defence. They managed 18 shots with six on target, while veteran goalkeeper Mannone was required to make only two saves.
Blackwell made an early change, bringing on Pemi Aderoju for Kai Jennings in the 39th minute. Further substitutions followed the goal, with Dion Pereira, Josh Flint and Ade Adeyemo all entering the fray.
His team showed patience to break down their depleted opponents, with Orsi providing the decisive finish.
The result ends a run of two league games without a win for the Reds, following a 1-1 draw with Tranmere and a 2-3 loss to Shrewsbury. Their recent form across the last five league matches stands at one win, two draws and two losses. They now turn their attention to the FA Cup, with a first-round tie at Wimborne Town scheduled for next Sunday. Their next league assignment is a trip to face 22nd-placed Rotherham United on Saturday 14 November, a key fixture in the battle to climb the standings.
