Crawley Town 2 Southport 0

Last updated : 13 November 2005 By Footymad Previewer
First-half goals from Jamie Cade and record signing Daryl Clare - his first for nine games - did the trick against a visiting outfit that rarely looked like improving on the worst away record in the division.

To make matters worse Southport played the entire second half with 10 men after Chris Lane was sent off seconds before the interval.

The home side, who had not won in the league at home for six weeks, took control from the start and were deservedly in front after 22 minutes.

Tris Whitman, playing his first game after joining on a two-month loan from Tamworth crossed from the right and Cade applied a neat finish at the far post.

Southport goalkeeper Steve Dickinson kept his side in contention with several fine saves but he couldn't prevent Crawley from doubling their lead after 35 minutes.

Cade's shot deflected off the heel of Lane into the path of Clare, who beat the goalkeeper with a low shot from 12 yards for his first goal in front of the Crawley fans.

Southport's afternoon went from bad to worse just before half-time.

Having already booked Kevin Lynch and Carl Baker in quick succession, referee Graham showed a straight red to Lane after he scythed down Crawley's caretaker boss Simon Wormull.

The second half was disappointing with Southport offering only a sporadic threat even though they committed more men to attack.

Farrell Kilbane had their best opportunity on 74 minutes when his looping header hit the crossbar.

At the other end, defender Dave Woozley smacked a close-range shot against the post while Clare was twice denied by the impressive Dickinson.