Crawley Town

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Graham Westley

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Crawley 0-2 Stevenage

Stevenage Borough maintained their play-off aspirations with a comfortable victory over Crawley Town at Broadfield Stadium on Monday afternoon.

The win sees Graham Westley's side move up to fifth position in the Blue Square Premier standings with 77 points from 43 games.

The visitors got off to a good start and almost snatched an early goal but a last ditch tackle denied Michael Bostwick, who was disposed with a last-ditch tackle from the Crawley defence.

Crawley created their first real chance from a Sam Rents free-kick in the 14th minute but Chris Giles' looping header went just over the crossbar.

Boro were looking to exploit their opponents on the right-hand flank and in the 24th minute, Lee Boylan sent in an inviting cross but Mark Roberts' bicycle kick was deflected over the bar.

Stevenage finally got the breakthrough they were looking for in the 40th minute when Bostwick's 25-yard was parried and the midfielder was first to react and slot home the rebound.

Crawley must have got the hairdryer treatment from manager Steve Evans at half-time because they came flying out of the blocks at the restart.

And they almost caught the visitors napping but Scottish defender Scott Laird intercepted Isaiah Rankin's cross and cleared the ball away from the six-yard area.

Stevenage were on the front foot again just minutes later as Lawrie Wilson found Boylan with a threaded pass but the forward's effort from 15 yards was inches wide of the target.

The Red Devils started to claw their way back into contention but a lack of cutting edge in front of goal saw a number of chances spurned.

A 56th minute Michael Malcolm corner was met by Giles but the defender's downward header bounced over the crossbar.

The hosts had another glorious opportunity to restore parity minutes later but substitute Jon Shaw fired wide after being played through by Robbie Matthews.

They were made to rue that missed chance as Willock latched onto a through ball in the 88th minute and lifted the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper to make it 2-0.

Crawley bookings: Rents, Bulman.

Stevenage bookings: Ashton, Laird, Wilson.

Ref: I Cooper (England).

Att: 1,161.