Crawley Town boss John Gregory insists: ‘This will be our toughest game’

An important 1-0 victory against Walsall at the Checkatrade.com Stadium last Tuesday was followed by a useful 1-1 draw away to Gillingham on Saturday.

Gregory believes this will be a very tough game against the bottom of the table side but goes into the clash with just two injury absentees, Ryan Dickson and Emmett O’Connor.

Captain Josh Simpson is now back fit after having two long absences from the team due to injury and now striker Matt Harrold and midfielder Conor Henderson are pressing for starting places after impressing in the last few games.

Gregory said: “In the first half against Gillingham we played really well, possibly the best we’ve played this season.

“Gillingham upped their game and made it hard for us. I’m glad we got something from that game as sometimes it’s hard for the fans on the road.

“The away support has been great all season and I’m pleased we were able to show them something for it.

“We want to follow up two good performances against Walsall and Gillingham with a good performance against Crewe.

“Sometimes there is a good time to play a team and I believe this is now as Crewe have got a few players out through suspension, while we have no suspensions and have got everyone fit, so we are in a very healthy position.

“Conor Henderson came on against Walsall and scored and has played his way back into contention for a starting place.

“Matt Harrold came on against Notts County and scored and has looked sharper having taken a long time to recover from an operation at the start of the season.

“It’s a nice position to be in as they will both be considered for starting places as will Josh Simpson, who is now back fit after two long lay-offs through injury.”

Gregory does not expect this Saturday’s home game to be easy despite Crewe being in the bottom-four.

He said: “Crewe beat Peterborough two weeks ago which was an outstanding result and have been picking up a few wins in October.

“This will be the hardest game of the season. We’ve got to make sure we’re ready for the challenge and we will be.”