Cheltenham Dominates Crawley Town with Clinical 3-0 Victory

Introduction: Crucial League Two Clash

In a pivotal League Two encounter on 4 January 2026, Cheltenham scored three second-half goals to beat struggling Crawley 3-0 in League Two. This match held significant importance for both clubs, with Cheltenham seeking to climb away from the relegation zone whilst Crawley desperately needed points to escape their alarming winless streak.

Match Details and Key Moments

After a dull opening 45 minutes, Hakeeb Adelakun, Jordan Thomas and Robbie Cundy all struck to help Steve Cotterill’s Robins to a first win in three games. The first half saw limited action, though the visitors created the best chance of the first half, with Cheltenham goalkeeper Joe Day blocking well with his legs to deny Taylor Richards in the 32nd minute. However, Cheltenham changed shape at half-time and it brought about an immediate improvement. It took the Robins 14 minutes between the first and third goal, as they ruthlessly punished Crawley’s second-half collapse. The match was played before Attendance: Attendance3,211 supporters.

Post-Match Reaction and Implications

The defeat prompted strong criticism from Crawley manager Scott Lindsey, who described his side’s second half performance as an “absolute embarrassment” and said his players “aren’t doing enough for this badge and this football club”. Three second-half goals in the space of 14 minutes from Hakeeb Adelakun, Jordan Thomas and Robbie Cundy extended the Reds’ winless run to ten League Two matches. Crawley remain in 21st, teetering on the edge of the relegation zone, whilst Cheltenham stay sitting 18th but have closed the gap on the teams above them. Crawley next take on playoff chasing Notts County at the Broadfield Stadium in just under two weeks from now, on the 17th of January, making their form turnaround increasingly urgent.