Crawley Town V Preston at Broadfield Stadium : Match Preview

22 April 2013 14:01
Crawley Town V Preston - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.


Essam worry for Crawley

Connor Essam is an injury doubt for Crawley's clash with Preston.

The defender missed Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Oldham after suffering a knock to his hip against Coventry the week before.

Mark Connolly replaced Essam at the back and scored Crawley's goal at Boundary Park.

But the defeat ended Town's slim play-off hopes so manager Richie Barker could make further changes after admitting some of his players looked "leggy".

Skipper Josh Simpson has made two substitute appearances since recovering from an ankle injury so he could start along with fellow midfielder Matt Sparrow, who is over a recent hamstring problem.

Defender Kyle MacFadzean is unlikely to feature again this season after a long battle against a virus.

Preston can welcome back top scorer Nicky Wroe from suspension.

Wroe was forced to sit out Saturday's 1-0 win against Tranmere at Deepdale after picking up a red card against Carlisle but is in line to earn an immediate recall.

Lee Holmes came off the bench to make his first-team return from a hamstring injury against Rovers and will be pushing for a starting place along with Wroe.

Will Hayhurst showed no signs of concern following a hamstring injury with Keith Keane now also fully fit following a hernia problem.

Stuart Beavon (shoulder) remains a doubt meaning Joe Garner could have the chance to lead the line once more.

Jeffrey Monakana's goal on the stroke of half-time was enough to see Simon Grayson's men secure their third consecutive home win without conceding a goal at the weekend, but the Lancashire club now end their season with two away trips.

Source: PA