Crawley Town

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Altrincham 0-1 Crawley Town

Steve Evans' Crawley Town recorded their first victory of the season with a hard-fought win against Altrincham at Moss Lane on Saturday afternoon.

Altrincham had the first real chance of the game in the 7th minute when a deflected Chris Denham cross going just wide of Crawley goalkeeper Michael Kuipers' left-hand upright.

Denham saw a volleyed effort go narrowly wide in the 10th minute, while Crawley had a penalty appeal turned down in the 17th minute.

The Red Devils came close to claiming the lead in the 27th minute when a header from Steven Masterton's free-kick smashed against the crossbar.

Crawley must have been wondering if lady luck had deserted them as they hit the crossbar for a second time moments before the half-time break.

Altrincham had a penalty appeal of their own turned down in the 61st minute when Crawley 'keeper Kuipers appeared to manhandle striker Damien Reeves in the area.

And that decision proved to be pivotal as Crawley earned themselves a free at the other end of the pitch just two minutes later.

Steven Masterton stepped up and fired an unstoppable effort into the top left corner from the 30 yards out to send the Crawley supporters into wild celebrations.

Altrincham pressed forward with purpose in the closing stages of the encounter but Crawley held firm to claim their first three-point haul of the season.

Altrincham bookings: Joseph.

Crawley bookings: Tubbs, McFadzean.

Ref: Richard West (East Yorkshire).

Att: 776.