Crawley 2 Cambridge United 1.

Manager Steve Evans believes Crawley's victory over Cambridge United proves they have the potential to be future promotion contenders.

Reds recovered from Saturday's disappointing defeat against lowly Northwich to beat second placed United at Broadfield Stadium.

Evans said "We are not quite ready to compete with the likes of Cambridge on a regular basis but we are getting there.

"Apart from their goal, Cambridge did not have a shot and to restrict a side like them is superb.

"We were a joy to watch at times and our commitment and tempo was outstanding.

"We just need to do it on a more consistent basis but we have young players and they are learning."

Reds were forced to make changes in their squad after Ollie Allen and Josh Dutton-Black were recalled from month-long loans by Stevenage and Southampton respectively.

But they were given a boost before kick-off with the return from injury of top scorer Jamie Cook.

The tricky striker recovered from a groin problem which ruled him out of Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Northwich to partner Jon-Paul Pittman in attack.

His return meant Kevin James switched from a striker role to the right side of midfield and it was the former Nottingham Forest man who gave Crawley an early lead.

Glenn Wilson nodded down a free kick from Dannie Bulman on 13 minutes and an unmarked James stole in at the back post to score with a diving header.

The strike was no more than the home side deserved following a positive start to the game but, as in many games in recent weeks, their soft defensive underbelly was soon exposed as United hit back with their first opportunity seven minutes later.

A Courtney Pitt corner was flicked on at the near post and striker Lee Boylan, standing right in front of keeper Ashley Bayes, turned in a header from two yards.

It was Boylan's seventh goal in four games so to allow the diminutive front man space in the box at a set-piece was inexcusable.

Reds had the better of the rest of the first half and went close to restoring their lead nine minutes before the break. Pittman had a snap-shot from six yards saved at point blank by keeper Danny Potter.

Crawley continued to control the game after the interval and threatened again early in the second half.

The hard-working Cook curled a cross for the onrushing James, who was just unable to get his head on the ball under pressure from Mark Albrighton.

James claimed he was pushed by the Cambridge skipper but his appeal only managed to convince the referee to produce a yellow card for dissent.

Cook did well to create an opening again on 57 minutes from the opposite flank and this time Reds took it.

Cook chipped a cross from the right and Bulman arrived late to slam home a volley from ten yards.

Bulman almost found the net again 20 minutes from time with a fizzing strike which sped inches wide.

The visitors came agonisingly close to equalising with five minutes remaining when Rob Wolleaston struck the cross bar after following up a blocked shot from Jack Jeffrey.

Crawley Town: Bayes, Krause, Stevens, Wilson, Bulman, Thomas, Thompson, Pinault (Blackburn 88), James, Pittman (Joseph-Dubois 92), Cook (Murphy 90) . Subs not used: Carter, Carayol.

Cambridge Utd: Potter, Peters, Albrighton, Gleeson, Morrison, Wolleaston, Pitt, Convery (Willmott 65), Carden, Beesley (Jeffrey 75), Boylan. Subs not used: Coulson, Collins, Cutler.

Referee: G Scott (Devon).

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