Crawley boss Scott Lindsey paid tribute to “new heroes” after his side began life back in League One with victory.
First-half goals from Rushian Hepburn-Murphy and Junior Quitirna earned a 2-1 win over Blackpool, who replied late on through substitute Ashley Fletcher.
Crawley went into the game with only two survivors from the side that beat Crewe in the League Two play-off final and Lindsey went out of his way afterwards to stress the identity he has built will remain exactly the same.
He said: “It’s a great start for us against a Blackpool side that finished only three points outside the play-offs, so it’s a good benchmark.
“I’m really pleased with the result and the performance as it shows we are capable of playing at this level.”
Lindsey heaped praise on midfielders Max Anderson and Cam Bragg and defender Josh Flint, who made their league debuts, and he added: “It’s never nice to see a group of players go out of the door.
“But I enjoy moulding fresh talent and our fans will enjoy watching new heroes.
“There were only two players surviving from Wembley, but the identity is exactly the same.”
Blackpool manager Neil Critchley felt the second goal from midfielder Quitirna was the key moment but was pleased with his team’s performance.
He said: “Crawley scored with their first attack, but we responded well, got on top again, but their second goal was the turning point – it was a big deflection.
“In the end it was the deciding factor. We came back and dominated for long spells.
“We were not aggressive enough sometimes, especially in the middle of the park.
“Crawley passed well and we didn’t respond as we should have done. Even so, we made them play a game they didn’t want to play in the second half,”
There was a crowd of nearly 5,000 for Crawley’s first third-tier game since 2015 and Critchley felt his men coped with the occasion.
He added: “When you are playing a team that has just been promoted you know the crowd will be behind them and build up momentum, but we managed that well.
“But the only disappointment for me is the result. It’s only one game, there’s 45 to go. For long periods I was pleased with what we produced.”
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Who remembers this shirt? Since Arteta played for Arsenal Maresca: Do you want something good? Man Utd and Hojlund Paul Pogba will sign for Monaco until 2027, reports Fabrizio Romano POGBACK 10 years ago, Liverpool signed Firmino. Eight years later, he left a legend Lionel Messi turns 38 The man who's won it all has got a new gift on his mind right now... Chel...
Chelsea are reportedly hopeful of reaching an agreement over a £45m transfer deal for Borussia Dortmund left winger Jamie Gittens.The 20-year-old has shown himself to be an exciting young talent with his performances in the Bundesliga and the Champions League in recent times.Chelsea are now seemingly ready to make a third bid for Gittens as they hope to get the deal done for around £45m,...
Man Utd are reportedly on the brink of offloading Jadon Sancho with the help of a former manager.Jadon Sancho is reportedly nearing Fenerbahce.Jadon Sancho has reached an agreement on personal terms with Fenerbahce in a significant step towards a Manchester United exit, according to reports. The 25-year-old is claimed to be nearing a permanent departure, spelling the end of a failed £73millio...
Liverpool have made a centre-back signing their next priority in the transfer market.Liverpool are keeping tabs on Crystal Palace captain Marc GuehiLiverpool reportedly have other centre-backs on their radar despite being heavily linked with Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi. The Reds have an established partnership between Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate in the centre of their defence, but a ...
Marcus Rashford is likely to leave Manchester United this summer.Marcus Rashford's dream move is reportedly to BarcelonaMarcus Rashford’s dream move to Barcelona FC could be back on with the La Liga club reportedly exploring a loan move for the Manchester United outcast. A move to Catalonia is widely reported to be Rashford’s preferred destination following his temporary spell at Aston...
Newcastle to smash wage structure to make Isak highest-paid player everPer The Times, Newcastle are determined to retain Alexander Isak's services beyond this summer and the officials are set to initiate talks with the player over a new and improved contract, which could potentially fend off interest from the Gunners and Reds. The Magpies are ready to offer a salary beyond £150,000 a week, wh...
Alexander IsakNewcastle United are set to offer a new lucrative contract to Alexander Isak that will make the striker the club's highest-paid player ever.WHAT HAPPENED?Isak had a terrific outing for the Magpies in the 2024-25 campaign as he scored 23 league goals and helped the club secure a Champions League slot. He also played a key role in Eddie Howe's side ending the club's trophy drought with...
Marcus Rashford Man Utd Barcelona 2025Barcelona are keen on a loan deal for Manchester United outcast Marcus Rashford as they weigh up a permanent move for Nico Williams.WHAT HAPPENED?The reigning La Liga champions are keen to add to their attacking options this summer, with a move for Rashford now back on the table, as first reported by The Sun. The club's unhealthy financial situation means a lo...
Chelsea making new offer for Borussia Dortmund winger GittensChelsea are closing on an agreement with Borussia Dortmund for winger Jamie Gittens.The England U21 international saw a move to Chelsea collapse on the Club World Cup transfer deadline day, leaving the youngster frustrated.However, the move now appears to be back on, with claims an agreement is close to being struck.The Athletic says Che...
Real Madrid set 377M price tag for Rodrygo as Arsenal deal draws closerArsenal have targeted Real Madrid star Rodrygo this summer but will have to pay a hefty price tag to secure his services.The 24-year-old has been linked with a lucrative move to the Gunners this summer after he felt like he was underappreciated in a side that includes some of the best players in the world, including Kylian Mbap...
- 1 Gareth Bale set to buy former PL club
- 2 'He felt honored' - Marcelo Gallardo confirms he approached Cristiano Ronaldo about playing for River Plate at the Club World Cup
- 3 Samson Tijani: Nigeria star joins Dukla Prague from RB Salzburg
- 4 Diletta Leotta sizzles in tiny bikini on inflatable flamingo
- 5 Seattle Sounders vs PSG Prediction 24 June 2025
- 6 Ex-Ajax star Promes extradited to Netherlands to serve jail term
- 7 Real Madrid reveal target as Zubimendi joins Arsenal
- 8 Liverpool cult hero waves goodbye as transfer is confirmed: It’s been an absolute honour
- 9 Marcus Rashford to Barcelona is back ON! La Liga champions ready to sanction loan deal for Man Utd outcast amid Nico Williams pursuit
- 10 Barcelona announce Garrido departure