Killeen: We are happy to drive to games

LEWIS Killeen says the Crawley squad are fully behind the club's decision to cut costs this season - insisting he and his fellow professionals are happy to make financial sacrifices for the Reds.

The Crawley players have been driving to games in their own cars in recent weeks without claiming petrol, but the former Halifax Town star insists there has been no complaints.

He said: "Everyone is digging in, we have a small squad but that makes us close knit and we like being the underdogs. Our run of form has been against the odds a little bit so we'll stick together and keep our enthusiasm.

"We've got an amazing spirit, we are driving to the games and things like that but everyone is happy to do that as it's what we need to do."

Killeen thinks it is still possible for the Reds to make the top five but admits it will be difficult after Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Stevenage Borough.

"It's about game by game now and we need to keep getting positive results if we are to have any chance of making the play-offs," he said. "Hopefully the teams above us will start making mistakes and we can slip in there at the end."

The 27-year-old admitted the Borough defeat had hurt the players, but felt they could be proud of the way they played.

The players are down for obvious reasons – not because of the performance but the result has hurt us.

"It was extremely disappointing considering the run we have been on. We were looking to get a positive result and it was especially disappointing considering the way we played and we were looking more likely to get an equaliser at the end but they hit us on the break.

"They started quite well but after that it was pretty even and scrappy, but to concede straight after half-time gave the crowd a lift and their players a confidence boost.

"I think we did quite a good job trying to get back in it but we didn't let our heads go down. We got back on the ball and started passing it and made a couple of chances to equalise."

Like the majority of the Crawley squad Killeen is out of contract at the end of the season but says he wants to stay at the Broadfield after his current deal expires.

"We'll see what happens in the next couple of months but I'd like to be here next season as it is a fantastic set up," he added. "Obviously we have had quite a good season, we let ourselves down a little bit earlier in the season which is why we are playing catch-up now but it is enjoyable playing here.

"It all depends on what the gaffer's plans are for next season, I know there are a few players out of contract but I don't think anyone has been spoken to yet."