Crawley Town FC promoted after historic win in Wembley play-off final against Crewe Alexandra

Crawley Town FC manager Scott Lindsey praises players following the impressive result

Crawley Town FC has been promoted to League One after an historic victory in their first ever win at Wembley.

17,000 fans travelled from West Sussex to see their team thrash Crewe Alexandra two-nil.

The Red Devils went into the League Two play-off final hopeful after being beat twice by the Cheshire side in the season.

It's a remarkable turnaround for the club that narrowly avoided relegation from the Football League 12 months ago.

Ahead of the game fans told ITV News of their excitement and nerves,

Supporter Sam Jordan told us, "it's very emotional. I've been watching this club for a very long time.

"I'm just walking at Wembley way and seeing all these Crawley fans is just amazing, really.

"I've never been to Wembley before, there's 18,000 fans here and considering how tough it was last season. It's just incredible."

Having finished the season in seventh place, Crawley looked relaxed and fluid as they moved the ball around the Wembley pitch with ease.

Crawley Town's Liam Kelly celebrates scoring their side's second goal of the game during the Sky Bet League Two play-off final Credit: PA/ Rhianna Chadwick

Their victory could have been more emphatic against a Crewe side that rarely threatened.

The Sussex side took the lead three minutes before half-time through the prolific Orsi.

Exchanging passes with the inventive Kelly three minutes before half-time, Orsi turned a defender but found himself falling and short on time, electing to steer home his shot with the outside of his right foot.

It was the striker’s fourth goal in the play-offs following his hat-trick against MK Dons in the semi-final second leg and caps a remarkable couple of years for the 28-year-old.Last season, he was a part of the Grimsby team that reached the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Crawley Town's Dion Conroy lifts the trophy after the Sky Bet League Two play-off final at Wembley Stadium, London Credit: Adam Davy/PA Wire/PA Images

His Wembley goal made it 25 in all competitions this campaign.Crawley were spurred on by the tireless Kelly who had the Crewe players chasing shadows throughout.

The midfielder, whose early shot followed another intricate passing move by Scott Lindsey’s side, claimed his reward and sealed their passage to League One after 85 minutes.

Found by a Dion Conroy pass, Kelly’s attempted cross was blocked by Crewe captain Mickey Demetriou.

The ball immediately rebounded to Kelly who calmly whipped a shot into a now unguarded net.

The match might have turned on a refereeing decision by Ben Toner 10 minutes after half-time.

Crewe’s Chris Long ran on to a terrible back-pass from Adam Campbell and Toner took the view that the striker was tripped by goalkeeper Corey Addai.

Thankfully, VAR was in operation and Toner was given the opportunity to reverse his decision after seeing Addai had just managed to get the slightest of touches on the ball, sending it for a corner.

Crewe rarely troubled Addai after that, with a Demetriou header easily blocked in the closing minutes.

Crawley’s success represents a remarkable turnaround after finishing 22nd in League Two last season.

While there has been a quantum leap on the pitch, they will be one of the smallest clubs in League One next season.

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know