An afternoon off work and the contemplation of a late return to West Yorkshire never looked appealing for Town's last away game of the season; however the thoroughly deserved 4-0 scoreline for the Shaymen will make the return trip north very pleasant.
Four goals in a fantastic performance from every player will made Chris Wilder a very happy man tonight and everybody involved with the club.
An exquisite goal from Lewis Killeen set Town on their way in the first half. Top goal scorer Jon Shaw grabbed two goals either side of the break while an own goal from Kieran Murphy sealed the final goal.
Shaw could easily have had a hat trick tonight however his first effort was wide after Killeen had flicked the ball on and had drawn home goalkeeper Ashley Bayes but the ball went slicked his left shot wide of the target.
However Town did take the lead shortly afterwards. Simon Heslop raced down the right hand side and his pin point low cross was turned home by Killeen to send 117 fans wild behind the goal.
The Shaymen doubled the lead through Jon Shaw just before the break. Heslop cross was turned out for a corner with Shaw lurking at the far post. From the corner, Matt Doughty's ball was headed home at the near post by Shaw to give Town a boost before the break.
Crawley put Town under pressure at the start of the second half but Chris Wilder's side weathered the storm and soon had a man advantage. A challenge by Jamie Krause on winger Danny Forrest in front of the dugouts saw an angry confrontation but the referee Mr Hopkins showed a straight red to the home player.
Jon Shaw scored his 19th league goal of the campaign in the 73rd minute. Danny Forrest dispossessed Ashley Bayes from a back pass and his cross was a simple tap in for Shaw.
Matt Doughty's cross in injury time was headed into his own net by Kieran Murphy to finish the rout and gave the Shaymen a deserved win.
Town are now two points out of the relegation zone, avoid defeat against Stevenage on Saturday and league status will be assured. Altrincham are away at Weymouth on Saturday needing a win and a defeat for Town to stay up.
Come on Town! Come on down to support the lads.
