Crawley Town 4-1 Accrington Stanley: Player ratings - Who impressed and who struggled for Reds in FA Cup defeat?

Crawley crashed out of the FA Cup in the first-round after a 4-1 defeat to League One Accrington but who impressed and who struggled for the Reds?
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Jake Hessenthaler found the net for Crawley but the Reds struggled defensively, with veteran forward Shaun Whalley scoring a hat-trick and Ethan Hamilton finding the top scorer with a superb strike. Click here to read our match report.

The hosts were guilty of falling asleep too often at the back, conceding goals at crucial moments in the game.

Here’s how we rated the players:

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Crawley Town vs Accrington Stanley. Photo: Cory PickfordCrawley Town vs Accrington Stanley. Photo: Cory Pickford
Crawley Town vs Accrington Stanley. Photo: Cory Pickford

Ellery Balcombe - 4: Barely had a save to make in the first half but picked the ball out of his net three times. Hard to fault him for first goal as he got down well to save the initial strike but he couldn't prevent the follow up from finding the top corner. Needs to work on his distribution to help Crawley ease pressure off their defenders.

George Francomb - 5: A couple of decent moments as he continues to ease himself back into things after a long-term injury. Good on the ball but will be disappointed with some of his defending.

Tony Craig - 5: Failed to clear the ball before the visitors took a very early lead. Almost redeemed himself quickly with a header at the back post that went out for a corner – and resulted in a goal. Part of Crawley defence that was caught playing a high line, chasing the game. Nasty head injury in second half but he played on.

Harry Ransom 5: A couple of sloppy moments as Crawley struggled defensively. Improved as the game went on. Given a yellow card for late challenge.

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Jake Hessenthaler - 6: Did okay in the midfield and drew Crawley level with a header. It was a great response from Crawley but they quickly conceded a second – sparking an angry reaction from Hessenthaler. Combative in midfield but couldn't create many goal scoring chances for his forwards.

Travis Johnson - 4: Struggled in first half and replaced at the break.

Tom Powell - 5: Threatened with a dangerous set-piece before his corner led to Crawley’s goal. Was unlucky to be hooked at half time, as Lewis Young changed the formation.

Jayden Davis - 6: One of Crawley's better players this afternoon. Energetic in the midfield and picked up up some good positions. Fans enjoyed one lovely turn in the middle of the park. Had a shot cleared off the line early in the second half. Replaced by Chukwuemeka for final ten minutes

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Tom Fellows - 6: Looked threatening out wide but couldn’t quite turn that into a goal or assist. Booked in second half.

Ashley Nadesan - 4: Very quiet in the first half as Crawley struggled to create many goal scoring opportunities. Situation didn't improve after the break and he was replaced by Dom Telford

Tom Nichols - 5: Linked up play well and dropped into midfield to help his teammates. But he was not a threat in front of goal, as he so often is.

Subs:

Joel Lynch - 5: Great to see him return from injury. He was brought on to shore things up at the back in a change of formation but he couldn't prevent the fourth goal. Visibly furious with the linesman, complaining that it should have been offside. Booked.

Aramide Oteh - 6: Almost made an instant impact with a driving run forward. Denied a goal by a remarkable save from Toby Savin.

Dom Telford - 6: Some good hold up play – and one particularly lovely touch – but not threatening in front of goal after his second-half introduction.

Caleb Chukwuemeka – N/A

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