Swindon Town

Crawley will be looking to work their way up the League Two table in 2024, with the Red Devils finding themselves in 14th place, level on points with Town going into today's game.

 

Their recent form sees a mixed run as their final league fixture of 2023 saw Crawley fall to a 2-0 away defeat to MK Dons, with defender Laurence Maguire sent off. Swindon meanwhile, will look to build on their final game and final victory of the previous year with a 2-1 home victory over Forest Green Rovers.

 

 

Founded in 1896, Crawley Town FC initially played in local leagues until entering the Sussex County League in 1951. The club turned professional in 1962, later joining the Southern League and achieving success in the Premier Division.

Noteworthy moments include reaching the FA Cup third round in 1991-92, facing Brighton and Hove Albion. The sale of Town Mead in 1997 marked a transition to the Checkatrade Stadium. Under owner John Duly, the late 1990s brought cup successes and Southern League triumphs.

Financial struggles in 2006 led to administration, narrowly avoided with a third offer. Crawley faced a points deduction but secured Conference survival. In 2011, they achieved Football League promotion with a record-breaking season.

Management changes ensued, with Steve Evans, Steve Coppell, and John Gregory playing key roles. In 2015, relegation to League Two occurred, followed by multiple managerial changes, including Harry Kewell and Gabriele Cioffi.

The 2019/20 season saw an impressive FA Cup run, defeating Norwich and Stoke before succumbing to Colchester. Cioffi's departure led to John Yems taking charge, concluding the season amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2020/21 season brought another FA Cup highlight, with Crawley defeating Leeds United 3-0 in the third round. Key player sales and a 12th-place finish marked the season. The following season saw another 12th-place finish, notable signings, and WAGMI United acquiring the club in April 2022.

Under new co-chairmen Preston Johnson and Eben Smith, Kevin Betsy was appointed manager in June 2022 but left in October. Interim changes followed, with Scott Lindsey becoming permanent manager in January 2023 after Matthew Etherington's brief tenure.

 

 

 

2021/22: Swindon Town 1-1 Crawley Town

 

2021/22: Crawley Town 3-1 Swindon Town

 

2022/23: Crawley Town 2-0 Swindon Town

 

2022/23: Swindon Town 2-1 Crawley Town

 

2023/24: Swindon Town 6-0 Crawley Town

 

 

 

Former Swindon boss Scott Lindsey joined the Red Devils almost a year ago, after previous coaching roles with clubs including Forest Green, Gillingham, Lincoln City and Folkestone Invicta that has seen the 51-year-old continue to refine and develop his coaching trade after almost 14 years in this area.

Lindsey moved into coaching after enjoying a successful playing career which lasted well over a decade and included spells with Gillingham, Dover and Welling United. 

 

 

 

After developing his ability to score goals during the non-league scene and also out in the American collegiate system, Orsi joined Crawley after impressive spells with Hampton & Richmond Borough and Maidenhead United that also saw the forward earn EFL moves to the likes of Harrogate and Grimsby.

 

Looking at this season, Orsi has continued to prove his worth in front of goal this season, with nine goals and one assist in 23 games as Swindon will look to keep the 27-year-old quiet to deliver a positive result this afternoon.