'We defended really well considering they are the top scorers in the league' - Tom Nichols and Joe McNerney on the Crawley Town's win over Exeter City

Crawley Town stars Joe McNerney and Tom Nichols were thrilled by the team's performance after the Reds battled their way to an impressive 2-0 win against Exeter City.
Jack Powell and George Francomb put Exeter under pressure. Picture by UK Sport Images LtdJack Powell and George Francomb put Exeter under pressure. Picture by UK Sport Images Ltd
Jack Powell and George Francomb put Exeter under pressure. Picture by UK Sport Images Ltd

Goals from Nichols and fellow striker Ashley Nadesan gave the Reds victory, but it was the performance of the Crawley defence that should take the plaudits.

"We were good value for the win," explained Nichols, speaking after the match. "We defended really well considering they are the top scorers in the league".

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For Nichols, the game saw the striker grab an assist and return to the goals against his former club. After missing his last two penalties, the former-Exeter man showed why John Yems continued to back him with a cool finish from 12 yards.

"I'm really pleased. It doesn’t matter who it’s against," Nichols stated. "It's nice to be back amongst the goals..after a couple of dodgy penalties. It's nice to be back in and to contribute."

At the other end of the pitch, Crawley's back three shone in the absence of the injured Tony Craig and Tom Dallison.

McNerney, alongside Jordan Tunnicliffe and George Francomb, was key to recording a clean sheet against the league's top scorers.

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“We’re playing a slightly different shape but I thought we did well all over the pitch," said McNerney, whose performance was described by manager John Yems as "fantastic".

After a victory today, Crawley head to Morecambe and Tranmere Rovers in the next week. For McNerney, it's clear how tough it's going to be against two sides challenging at the top-end of League Two.

"They are two teams that are doing well in the league so it will be a real test for us," the Reds centre-back illustrated. "It's good we got a home win and built some confidence [because] it will be a challenge”.

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