Phil Smith has urged Crawley to make a flying start at Canvey Island tonight.

The former Millwall goalkeeper says Reds start too slowly in away games and that is the reason for their poor form away from Broadfield Stadium.

Crawley have lost three matches out of four away from home but remain unbeaten at home.

Smith said: "We can't seem to start games well away. If that happens and the other team starts well, then the home fans are on their side straight away and for the rest of the game and it is harder for us to get back into it.

"That happened against Burton when we were not really at it in the first half and virtually gave them a goal.

"We need to get off to a good start against Canvey, quieten everyone down and then take it on from there."

Canvey will be the shortest journey Crawley have made so far in the Conference.

Trips to Leigh (240 miles), Accrington (270 miles), Exeter (220 miles) and Burton (170 miles) have all meant overnight stays.

Smith said: "It hasn't helped having all the long journeys in one go, which was always going to be difficult.

"We don't have to go that far this time and there is no overnight stay, so it should be quite easy for everyone to be switched on from the start.

"It is one of those games where, although it's away, it is not too far for a lot of the lads so hopefully we will break the unlucky away spell."

Canvey, like Crawley, are making their debut season in the Conference after winning the Ryman premier division.

Smith says the game is a must-win for Reds as they seek to continue their promising start to the campaign.

He said: "They came up last year like us so it's one of the games we are looking to do well in.

"In your first season in the Conference, your first aim is to be safe so you have to beat the teams you think are going to finish in the bottom half of the table. Canvey could be one of those."

Reds boss Francis Vines could introduce a new loan signing tonight.

Defender Matt Rees (back) and striker Dan Marney (groin) are both out, while Sean Hankin (illness) is doubtful. Rob Kember is missing again with an ankle injury.