By Hugo Varley
Crawley…………………………………………………..2
Orsi 41, Kelly 85
Crewe Alexandra……………………………………0
Crawley Town stepped up when it mattered at Wembley to propel themselves into League One in the sweetest of ways.
The West Sussex side struck either side of half-time to break Crewe Alexandra hearts and mark the culmination of a remarkable campaign.
Scott Lindsey's side were earmarked as rank outsiders for promotion at the start of the season, having only avoided relegation to Non-League by the skin of their teeth 12 months ago.
Now, they are toasting a return to English football's third tier after a nine-year absence.
The Red Devils dominated large parts of the Play-Off Final, controlling possession throughout and creating the vast majority of chances.
Man of the Match Liam Kelly patrolled the midfield with the assuredness of a player with confidence in abundance, while prolific striker Danilo Orsi struck at the crucial moment, just as he has done all season.
Orsi's goal, his 25th of the campaign, broke the deadlock and set Lindsey's side on their way just before half time.
The 28-year-old played a delicious one-two with Kelly before smartly dinking the ball into the bottom left hand corner with the outside of his boot.
It sparked a Crawley onslaught on the Crewe goal, with the Cheshire side on the ropes and praying for the break.
The lead was almost doubled when Jeremey Kelly got on the end of a deep cross, but his driven volley was scrambled away.
Alex made it to half-time still in the game and they had their big chance to draw level just six minutes into the second half.
Chris Long latched onto a loose back pass and found himself clean through with just keeper Corey Addai to beat.
The former Motherwell man had all the time in the world to pick his spot but elected to round Addai, falling to the Wembley turf in the process.
Initially, there was euphoria in the Crewe end when the referee pointed to the spot, but a quick VAR check revealed no contact had been made and with that a glorious opportunity was spurned.
Crewe were chasing the game, but it was Lindsey's side who continued to create the key openings.
Kellan Gordon stung the palms of Max Stryjek, before substitute Ronan Darcy's angled effort flew inches over the bar.
The final decisive moment of the clash came ten minutes from time and perfectly encapsulated the agonising fine margins of play-off football.
First, Charlie Kirk pinged a cross towards the back post which fell to Crewe captain Mickey Demetriou.
The 34-year-old dived towards the ball but could only divert his header straight at Addai.
From the next play, Crawley surged forward, with Liam Kelly once again leading the way.
The former Reading man burst into the box, trying to find Orsi with a low cross.
A block saw the ball fall back into his path and with Stryjek wrong footed, Kelly was able to calmly roll a shot into an empty net.
It was a fortunate break for the Crawley talisman, but they say you create your own luck and Kelly's superb display certainly deserved recognition on the score sheet.
The 17,000 strong Red Devils following spent the remaining minutes in full voice as a now inevitable promotion moved ever closer.
“I've had worse days!” laughed Lindsey at full-time.
“I thought we were absolutely superb today. We just looked so composed on the ball but also aggressive when off it. It was a complete performance at the perfect time.”
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