The Kidderminster Harriers midfielder was bang on target in the 24th minute to earn his side revenge for their 2-0 defeat at the Broadfield Stadium in September.
The Harriers have now lost just once in their last seven League outings - a sequence which began when new boss Mark Yates replaced sacked Stuart Watkiss last month.
Frustrated Crawley, who battled hard to notch an equaliser in the second half, have now won just once in their last eight Conference games.
Both sides took time to settle before Kidderminster steadily began to take the upperhand during the first period.
Johnny Harkness, Jake Sedgemore and Lee Thompson all gave the Crawley rearguard cause for concern before Harriers took the lead with a terrific goal from Russell - his second of the season.
After Gavin Hurren and Thompson had been involved in the build-up, the talented Russell pulled the trigger on a blistering 25-yard drive which bulged the net after flying past helpless keeper Phil Smith.
Crawley, parading newcomer Gavin Gordon up front, rarely looked like penetrating the home defence during the opening 45 minutes in which Harriers had a penalty appeal turned down when Thompson claimed he had been pushed by Sacha Opinel.
Hard-working Crawley were far more adventurous in the second half and began to give the Kidderminster back line a more testing examination.
After Harriers striker Andy White had had a "goal" disallowed, the Red Devils went close to snatching an equaliser on a handful of occasions.
Tony Scully twice went near with Harriers keeper John Danby also doing well to stop a shot from substitute Danny Clay.
Danby also had to be on his toes to save a misdirected header from Johnny Mullins who was under pressure from David Woozley and Ian Simpemba.
The Harriers have now lost just once in their last seven League outings - a sequence which began when new boss Mark Yates replaced sacked Stuart Watkiss last month.
Frustrated Crawley, who battled hard to notch an equaliser in the second half, have now won just once in their last eight Conference games.
Both sides took time to settle before Kidderminster steadily began to take the upperhand during the first period.
Johnny Harkness, Jake Sedgemore and Lee Thompson all gave the Crawley rearguard cause for concern before Harriers took the lead with a terrific goal from Russell - his second of the season.
After Gavin Hurren and Thompson had been involved in the build-up, the talented Russell pulled the trigger on a blistering 25-yard drive which bulged the net after flying past helpless keeper Phil Smith.
Crawley, parading newcomer Gavin Gordon up front, rarely looked like penetrating the home defence during the opening 45 minutes in which Harriers had a penalty appeal turned down when Thompson claimed he had been pushed by Sacha Opinel.
Hard-working Crawley were far more adventurous in the second half and began to give the Kidderminster back line a more testing examination.
After Harriers striker Andy White had had a "goal" disallowed, the Red Devils went close to snatching an equaliser on a handful of occasions.
Tony Scully twice went near with Harriers keeper John Danby also doing well to stop a shot from substitute Danny Clay.
Danby also had to be on his toes to save a misdirected header from Johnny Mullins who was under pressure from David Woozley and Ian Simpemba.