Crawley Town celebrated their first visit to Wembley by winning promotion for American owners Preston Johnson and Eben Smith – often referred to as ‘The Crypto Bros’.
The Sussex club finished 22nd in League Two a year ago but completely dominated Sunday’s play-off final with Danilo Orsi and Liam Kelly scoring in each half.
Johnson and Smith – who made their money through cryptocurrency and once pledged to build Crawley’s fan base through digital tokens – later congratulated their players and a few English households were also reportedly delighted.
Manager Gareth Southgate grew up in the town while Harry Maguire’s brother Laurence was part of a resolute Crawley defence.
Laurence, his younger sister, said: “I usually come to Wembley with the family to see Harry in a massive match. This time it was the other way around and he came here and supported me.
Crawley Town celebrated their first visit to Wembley by winning promotion to League One
Danilo Orsi drew first blood with a neat finish to send Crawley on their way to League One
Liam Kelly applied the finishing touch in the 85th minute to break Crewe hearts.
Crawley heroes Orsi and Kelly hold the trophy as they win promotion from League Two
“I’m absolutely delighted that he’s here today to see this. I am so proud to be able to give back to him for what he has done for us over the years.
On the other side, Orsi scored his 25th goal of the season shortly before half-time and scored it by executing his characteristic “horse gallop”. Kelly eased his late nerves by heading home with five minutes remaining.
City defender Dion Conroy said: “We were favorites to be relegated this season so this is exceptional.
“We knew how good we were and if we showed up we could beat anyone. To do what we did is the icing on the cake.
Orsi added: “We play like this every day. I had a good season, thanks to the coaches and the rest of the players.
Both teams had reached Wembley unexpectedly after beating favorites MK Dons and Doncaster in the semi-final.
For Crawley it was a first trip to the national stadium in their 128-year history and 18,000 supporters followed them, five times the average at home.
In their all-white change kit, they dominated from the opening whistle, Kelly producing a few Oohs with a long-range strike and then testing Crewe goalkeeper Max Stryjek.
Crewe only responded in the 38th minute when Elliott Nevitt’s hit almost crept into the bottom corner.
The escape gave Crawley life and they took the lead three minutes later.
Goalkeeper Corey Addai gave a long kick and from the second ball Kelly released Orsi.
The in-form striker had scored a hat-trick against MK Dons and showed great composure to cut inside the Crewe defense before finishing with the outside of his foot.
Every time Orsi uses his celebration, club sponsors Brick Borrow donate to the Crawley Town Community Foundation.
Scott Lindsey masterminded Crawley’s promotion to League One after nine years away
Crewe thought they had won a penalty when Corey Addai ‘brought down’ Chris Long, but VAR overturned the decision and the goalkeeper’s yellow card was overturned
Crawley was rejuvenated under his American ownership and deserved this victory
Crawley has used data extensively to build a pleasing team under coach Scott Lindsey.
Their only scare in the second half came when referee Ben Toner pointed to the point after Chris Long dived over Addai’s leg. VAR told the official to check his monitor and the decision was overturned.
A second Crawley goal looked more likely than an Alexandra equalizer and it arrived towards the end. Kelly’s initial shot was blocked by Mickey Demetriou, but he was able to head in the rebound from an acute angle.