'We didn't deserve to win the game' - Crawley Town's new signing on Port Vale defeat

Two Mark Cullen goals condemned John Yems' side to a 2-0 opening day defeat.

Nichols said: "It was nice to make my debut but we lost so it's not a great one. Disappointed to lose the game, we didn't deserve to win the game."

The former Bristol Rovers and Cheltenham striker signed for the Reds on Monday and has settled in quickly. He said: "Great set of lads, they have made it easy for me to settle in. I'm just looking forward to the season ahead really."

And he knows he need to make an impact off the bench to get in the starting line-up.

He said: "I need to get fit and the only way to that is to play games, hopefully I have done enough coming off the bench there. I am not as match fit as I could be because I haven't been in pre-season for long but I like to keep myself ticking over so I am ready to go.

"I need to make an impact off the bench otherwise I am not going to make the starting XI. So that's the aim, to come off the bench and try and influence the game.

"We need to start better and be more on the front foot and we need to play more like the second half.

"Competition is good and healthy and keeps everyone on their toes. You need to perform to stay in team.2