Ollie Palmer scores only goal as Crawley win at Cheltenham

Posted Sunday, August 05, 2018 by PA

A debut goal from Ollie Palmer earned Crawley a 1-0 win at Cheltenham on the opening day of the Sky Bet League Two season.

Palmer headed home the game’s only goal in the 63rd minute and the visitors held on to win after Kevin Dawson hit the crossbar with a penalty.

Harry Kewell’s side had made the stronger start against a Cheltenham team including eight debutants.

Dominic Poleon was denied in the fourth minute by goalkeeper Scott Flinders, who then recovered to catch Dannie Bulman’s follow-up header.

Filipe Morais set up Poleon two minutes later, but Flinders saved again.

Cheltenham carved out their first chance in the 15th minute when Alex Addai played in Immanuelson Duku, but visiting keeper Glenn Morris blocked well with his legs.

Flinders kept out Josh Payne’s 20-yard effort, but Cheltenham improved after a change of formation midway through the half.

However, the breakthrough came 18 minutes into the second half when Palmer headed in Morais’ corner from the right.

Cheltenham had a glorious opportunity to equalise in the 72nd minute when they were awarded a penalty after a foul by Vincelot on substitute Kalvin Kalala, but Dawson’s spot-kick hit the bar and went over.