Crawley Town have claimed a surprise 1-0 victory over Championship outfit Reading in their pre-season friendly this evening.
The hosts made a positive start to the match and Roarie Deacon threatened with a free kick from range that sailed over the bar.
Jimmy Smith was next to come close for the Reds, but his fierce attempt was beaten away by Ali Al-Habsi.
However, it was Reading who almost opened the scoring just before half time when Danny Williams crashed an effort against the bar.
The visitors worked another chance shortly after the break, but Hope Akpan could only fire his strike over the top.
Moments later, Gwion Edwards and Matt Harrold both saw efforts pushed wide by Al-Habsi, as the hosts sensed an opener.
They did manage to find the net with 12 minutes left to play as Conor Henderson lashed in a strike from range that Al-Habsi was unable to keep out.
In the final minute, Aaron Tshibola forced the keeper into a save at his near post, as Reading succumbed to their first defeat in pre-season.
Alex Meyers
