The Anvils slipped to a one nil defeat at Langney Wanderers on Saturday in the SCFL Premier Division. In truth it was a strangely anaemic and lethargic performance by the Anvils. It was a huge day for Wanderers as they went in search of another vital 3 points in their battle against finishing in the bottom three.

Crawley Down started very well and in the early exchanges it looked like a comfortable away victory was on the cards. The home side grew into the game and started to dominate possession. Their non-stop pressing game threw the Anvils off their stride and disrupted their normal slick passing game and they never looked comfortable throughout what became a torrid afternoon. There is no doubt that the gale force wind and the artificial surface also had an effect on the game.

Langney were awarded a penalty in the 28th minute after a determined run by Evan Archibald resulted in him being fouled by Marc Pelling. It looked a fair decision. Richard Pingling put the penalty into the top corner for a deserved 1-0 lead for Langney which they held at half time.

The home side started the second half brightly but then Crawley Down upped their game and started to dominate possession without ever looking particularly dangerous in an attacking sense. A crucial turning point in the game came when Crawley Down had a penalty appeal turned down by the referee, after what looked like a blatant push in the box by Paul Rogers on Michael Wood. The referee who was well positioned waved away the penalty claims despite it being just as clearly a penalty as the one awarded to the home side in the first half, a point even conceded by the home fans.

Shortly after Crawley Down had probably their best attacking opportunity of the match in the 60th minute when Nick Sullivan had a double chance. Defender Max Hollobone initially made an excellent covering block and then keeper Dan Hutchins made a save from the follow-up shot before Langney cleared their lines. As the Anvils continued to press for an equaliser it was leaving them more exposed at the back. Evan Archibald, Richard Pingling and Gary Ingram all had excellent chances for Wanderers on the break to finish the match off but keeper Andy Greaves who was the Crawley Down man of the match made some outstanding saves.

The Anvils could have no complaints with the result although had the penalty been given there could easily have been a very different outcome. As often happens football games turn on fine margins.

Crawley Down Gatwick: Andy Greaves, Sonny Baton, Billy Wraight (Connor Baston), Josh Brown, Sam Packham, Marc Pelling, Michael Spence, Michael Belli, Sam Cane (Oli Leslie), Nick Sullivan (Ollie Broad), Michael Wood. Unused subs: Blair Cooney, Josh Martin.

MOM: Andy Greaves Attn: 60