Scott Lindsey hails new-look Crawley’s ‘mentality shift’

Crawley boss Scott Lindsey believes a “mentality shift” has taken place with his overhauled squad after they made it seven points from their last three games with victory over Harrogate.

Goals in each half from Max Anderson and Josh Flint gave the Red Devils their first home win in 11 weeks and lifted them six points clear of the drop zone.

Lindsey’s reaction to an “unacceptable” first half of the season was to bring in 13 new players in January, and he has been delighted with the response.

Keeper Jacob Chapman has been drafted in on loan from Huddersfield and he has started with three clean sheets – the first time Crawley have achieved this in 23 months.

Admitted Lindsey: “The first half of the season wasn’t acceptable and it was clear that making the changes was the right thing to do.

“There has been a mentality shift – the players that have been brought in have not been used to losing.

“Two months or so ago we would have lost or drawn this game.”

Crawley had had only won four league games going into the New Year and Lindsey added: “It’s not been a great season for the fans and we want to give them a good back half.”

Harrogate boss Simon Weaver felt his men paid a heavy price for not being ruthless enough up front as their winless league run was extended to 19 games.

The Sulphurites have lost 15 of those matches and Weaver said: “We’ve got to start scoring the opportunities we are now creating.

“You have to kill teams off when you’re in the driving seat – it’s a case of being ruthless up front and managing to snuff out a couple of moments for them.”

It has been just over four months since Harrogate’s last win and they are now five points from safety, and unhappy travelling fans held up placards declaring “Weaver out” for most of the game.

Weaver responded: “My message is straightforward – keep fighting, keep going.

“The players were so wired-in before the game and motivated and they played with belief because of that.

“The only way we’ll get out of this is to stay close together and change the narrative.”