Harpenden Town kept their hopes of playing in next season’s FA Cup alive with a huge 2-1 win over Crawley Green at Rothamsted Park.

Fourth place in the Spartan South Midlands League Division One will be good enough to clinch that coveted spot and although this result leaves Town in fifth, it means they are now just one point behind Chesham United Reserves with three games in hand.

It was the second time in recent weeks that Harpenden have beaten the Luton-based side who currently sit in second in the division.

The teams played a highly competitive first half with Town constantly on the offensive although it ended scoreless.

That changed three minutes after the restart when Jimmy Warner pounced on a Harry Hunt corner to put Town in front.

They made it 2-0 on the hour.

Jimmy Hartley weaved his way through the Crawley defence and although his shot produced a great save from the keeper, Hunt pounced on the rebound to head home.

that was Harpenden’s 100th goal in all competitions this season.

The visitors hit straight back with a goal from Henry Mungwira, who had been a threat all match.

And Harpenden keeper Charlie May had to be alert late on to deny the centre-forward an equaliser, producing a match-winning save.

As well as the result, a big positive was seeing captain Jack Cartwright play a full 90 minutes after six months off with injury.

Manager Danny Plumb said: “I am really pleased because the result shows we are comparable to anyone in the league.

“It was a hardworking performance but it shows we are prepared to battle for our lives to get into the top four and we are nearly there.”