CAMBRIDGE United slipped to a second consecutive away defeat at Crawley on Tuesday night. Despite the narrow 2-1 scoreline, United s injury-hit team were comprehensively beaten, and never looked likely to take anything from this match against mid-table op

CAMBRIDGE United slipped to a second consecutive away defeat at Crawley on Tuesday night.

Despite the narrow 2-1 scoreline, United's injury-hit team were comprehensively beaten, and never looked likely to take anything from this match against mid-table opposition.

Crawley took an early lead through Kevin James, who headed home following a free kick which had been nodded back across goal by Laurie Wilson.

Too often United tried to hit hopeful long passes to diminutive front two Lee Boylan and Mark Beesley, while Crawley successfully shackled wing backs Courtney Pitt and Dan Gleeson, meaning the supply from wide areas was limited too.

Boylan levelled matters with a deft header from close range, but Crawley took control in the second half, and were rewarded when Danny Bulman volleyed the winner. Boylan did hit the bar late on, but a second equaliser would have been rough justice for the hosts.

United badly missed injured target man Lee McEvilly, who suffered a fractured ankle in last Saturday's 1-0 win over Woking. The Accrington loanee hopes to return before the end of the season, but while he is on the sidelines there is no doubt the U's will miss his physical presence. Boylan was on target against Woking, converting a penalty awarded for a foul on Pitt.

Wayne Hatswell, Ben Farrell, Stephen Reed, and Danny Brown remain on the injury

list alongside McEvilly, and it seems unlikely any of them will recover in time for Saturday's home match with Weymouth (3pm).

Jimmy Quinn will be able to recall Magno Vieira, who was ineligible to face parent club Crawley. He may also consider handing a starting role to young winger Robbie Willmott, who impressed as a substitute against the Red Devils.

Bank holiday Monday sees United travel to FA Trophy finalists Ebbsfleet.