Moxey in to secure Grecians the spoils
CRAWLEY head coach Gabriele Cioffi thought his side were denied a certain penalty moments before Dean Moxey hit the only goal for Exeter to sink the Reds at the
Broadfield Stadium.
Referee Trevor Kettle waved away their claims after a challenge by Ben Seymour on Tom Dallison in the area, and, after play switched to the other end, skipper Moxey drove in a corner by Randell Williams.
Defender Moxey`s second goal of the season 12 minutes from time leaves Crawley with only two points from their last six games, but Cioffi felt certain they deserved something from the game.
After seeing the referee’s assessor afterwards, Cioffi said: “It was a shame. It was a black spot from the referee as he didn’t see something that was not 50-50.
“It was a good performance from us. We deserved at least one point; 0-0 would have been a fair result.”
Crawley have won only one of their past 11 league games, but Cioffi insisted: “I’m happy with how the boys played. We are on the right track.”
Nicky Law put an early free-kick over for Exeter, before Archie Collins should have hit the target after being set up by Nigel Atangana.
The Grecians threatened again when Lee Martin fired against the bar, before top-scorer Bez Lubala shot just wide at the other end.
The Reds came to life after the break, with Lubala forcing keeper Jonny Maxted to parry his shot, before Pierce Sweeney cleared a Tom Dallison headed off the line.
Moments after Crawley had a penalty appeal waved away, Exeter clinched victory when Moxey fired home.
Exeter boss Matt Taylor felt an “aggressive mentality” played a crucial part in helping his men to their first win in three league games.
He said:” The whole group were aggressive with their mentality. It was similar to other away games in that what was key was getting the first goal.
“We are creating chances. One day we’ll get it right and confidence will play a part in time.
“Performances have not always been matched with results; when we are on top we need to score. Our performances are close to where we need to be.”