The CTSA football team took to the field for their second ever match, at Horsham Park last Saturday (14th April 2013). Decked out in the full Crawley Town home kit the boys looked fantastic against the sky blues of Coventry City.The match was the prelude to the big game at the Broadfield, which of course ended with the same scoreline, only in the right direction!

It was always going to be tough encounter given that the visitors were top of the supporters league but after ten minutes we were two nil down. On four minutes a long punt up the left wing allowed their winger, Harkin, to ghost past goalkeeper Ross and then go on to calmly slot home. In the 8th min experienced defender Rob Lowndes went off with a calf injury (it seems that these days he’s far too skinny to run!). Two minutes later the lead was doubled when Harkin crossed for their big centre forward Miller to bundle home from a yard.

After that CTSA managed to steady the ship however City always looked a danger going forward. On the half hour mark Ross made a stunning save diving to his right to scoop over a thunderbolt. Late in the half we finally got a foothold in midfield and started to press forward.  In the move of the match Ben Blackmore sent over a sumptuous left foot cross which the other Ben met to send a crashing volley inches over the bar. On the stroke of half time Jake hit a crisp right foot shot which tested their keeper.

After some heated half time words from skipper Joe the Reds came out all guns blazing. It was one way traffic for most of the 2nd half. The ball pinged around midfield and out to the wings creating corners, shots, thrills and spills in Coventry box. It was all great to watch. In the last ten mins manager Prendergast gambled with three up top. Unfortunately we couldn’t find that telling moment and at the other end sub keeper Palmer made a couple of great saves.

In defeat the boys can be very proud of a great effort against a top team. The ball never seemed to fall right in the box and their keeper was inspired. New recruit Ben Blackmore, at left back, made a great debut calmly making all the right decisions and displaying a cultured left peg earning the man of the match.

Assistant manager Matt Putland said, “given the obvious talent of our opposition I thought we were very competitive, we might have lost but there are a lot of positives to take.” Coventry manager James Penny added, “they are a great bunch, we have had some easy wins of late and needed a tough match, CTSA provided that. We have really enjoyed our first match here against  Crawley Town.”