Crawley Town vs Accrington ST Match Recap - Nov 22, 2025

Crawley Town and Accrington ST Share the Spoils in a Tense 1-1 Draw

Crawley Town's inability to convert dominance into victory continues to haunt them, as they settled for a 1-1 draw against Accrington ST. Despite controlling 75% of possession and outshooting their opponents 3 to 0, Crawley failed to capitalize on their chances, reflecting a persistent issue with finishing that has plagued them throughout the season.

Kabongo Tshimanga emerged as a key figure for Crawley, scoring the equalizer in the second half. His performance is a continuation of a recent trend where he has been pivotal in attack, having scored in the previous match against Gillingham. This consistency is crucial for a team that has struggled to find the back of the net, particularly in tight matches where every opportunity counts.

Accrington ST's Isaac Heath opened the scoring early, showcasing their ability to capitalize on limited chances. This goal marked Heath's second in as many games, following his standout performance in a recent victory over Bristol Rovers. Accrington's approach relies heavily on counter-attacks, and they executed this strategy effectively, even with only 25% possession. Their resilience in defense, despite being under constant pressure, speaks volumes about their tactical discipline.

Crawley's recent form has been a mixed bag, with their last five matches yielding two wins, two draws, and one loss. The draw against Accrington reflects their ongoing struggle to maintain momentum after a promising 4-0 victory against Bristol Rovers. Despite dominating possession and passing accuracy-81% compared to Accrington's 64%-Crawley's inability to convert this into goals remains a significant concern.

Accrington's recent trajectory has shown signs of improvement, with two wins in their last five matches. Their ability to secure points against teams like Bristol Rovers and Leeds United U21 indicates a growing confidence. However, the draw against Crawley highlights their ongoing vulnerability when faced with sustained pressure. The lack of shots on goal is alarming and suggests that while they can defend well, they need to create more offensive opportunities to secure wins.

The midfield battle was pivotal in this match, with Crawley's Harry Forster attempting to orchestrate play and provide creativity. His contributions have been vital in recent fixtures, but the lack of support from other midfielders limited Crawley's effectiveness. Accrington's midfield, anchored by Liam Coyle, managed to disrupt Crawley's rhythm, forcing them into less effective areas of the pitch.

Crawley's defensive frailties were evident once again, as they conceded an early goal that put them on the back foot. This pattern of conceding first has been a recurring theme in their matches, often leading to unnecessary pressure. The defensive line must tighten up if they hope to climb out of the relegation zone; they currently sit in 20th place with just 16 points.

Accrington's position is slightly better at 18th with 17 points, but they too are not out of danger. The draw does little to alleviate the pressure on either side as they both seek to distance themselves from the relegation zone. The upcoming fixtures will be crucial for both teams as they look to build on this result.

Looking ahead, Crawley Town will face Salford City next, while Accrington will host Oldham. Both teams need to find ways to convert their performances into points if they are to avoid a relegation battle as the season progresses. The draw today serves as a reminder that while possession and shots are important, it is ultimately goals that define success in football.

The narrative surrounding both teams continues to evolve; Crawley must find a way to turn their dominance into victories, while Accrington needs to build on their recent form and become more consistent. The stakes are high as each match becomes increasingly critical in the fight for survival in League Two.