Chapter 60: Broadfield's Blaze
Saturday, March 13, 2010
League Two Matchday 34: Crawley Town vs. Rochdale
With promotion in sight, Crawley Town held their nerve in a tense 1-1 draw away at Bournemouth proof they could scrap with the best when it mattered most.
The shock win over Burnley still buzzed through the squad, but talk of cup glory had to wait.
The FA Cup Quarter-Final against West Ham loomed ahead, but next up was Rochdale at Broadfield, a league clash that could shape their season just as much as any giant-killing.
The town buzzed with anticipation. 3,500 Crawley fans were ready to roar, their faith a blazing contrast to Rochdale's 200 supporters.
Niels stood sharp at the dugout's edge, calculating every move, every variable. Nate Sutton's tender knee was both a spark of hope and a cause for worry.
Max Simons' leadership shone bright. And Rochdale's aggressive press promised a tough test.