Crawley promotion party starts after win at Wembley

Crawley Town will play in football's third tier next season after their Wembley play-off final win

Ecstatic fans are celebrating Crawley Town's promotion to League One after a stunning play-off final victory at Wembley.

The Sussex side won 2-0 in an entertaining - and at times nail-biting - match against Crewe Alexandra in front of a crowd of 33,341 on Sunday.

It was Crawley’s first ever game at Wembley Stadium and will be a day that will live long in the memory of supporters, thanks to goals from Danilo Orsi and Liam Kelly.

The club has announced it will host a promotion party at the Broadfield Stadium on Monday.

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The club said the victory event is to show appreciation for the "excellent support" the team has received across the season

Doors will open at 19:00 BST and players will be available to for pictures and to sign autographs.

A statement said: “The first-team players and staff will be welcomed to the pitch before they do one final trophy lift in front of the Crawley faithful.”

The Wembley win seals the Red Devils' return to the third tier of English football for the first time since the 2014/15 season and heralded the start of a party for Crawley and its supporters.

Fans were jubilant leaving the stadium and making their way down Wembley Way, with most of them planning on staying out and having a few celebratory drinks in the capital.

The Lees family said: "It has been an amazing day.

"To be here to experience it was so special and we will remember this forever. It was a once in a lifetime game.

The Mandarin family enjoyed their day at Wembley Stadium

Some of the Mandarin family were over from Mauritius for the match.

Exiting the stadium, they told BBC South East: "Not only did we bring the sun with us, we bought some luck too.

"It has been a great day and one we are so glad to be here to enjoy as a family."

Carol Voss said: "It is so special to be here. My whole family are Crawley fans so to be here to experience it with them was special.

"I'm hoping some of my family that aren't here have enjoyed it too."

Paul and Dean wore tops for their friend and Crawley keeper, Corey Addai

Paul and Dean are friends of the Crawley Town goalkeeper, Correy Addai.

They said: "We are so proud of him. He has been on an incredible journey to get here.

"He had a great game today, too, but it is just what he has been doing all season. It couldn't have happened to a nicer person too. He'll thrive in League One.

Kevin Holcombe has been going to Crawley games for over 50 years

Lifelong Crawley fan Kevin Holcombe said: "It's a special day for the club and its fans.

"I've been coming matches for over 50 years and never could have predicted this.

"To be here at Wembley, with what felt like the whole town here to back the team, was incredible and the team did us proud, as they have done all season.

"I cannot wait for next season. It's sure to be a special one and we have a great group of players who will give their all for us again."

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Andy Cox and his son, Charlie, are looking forward to League One.

"What a day!" they said. "To see Crawley play at Wembley the way they did was brilliant.

"They were the better team throughout and we cannot wait to see them play in League One next season.

"There are some big teams in there so it will be a great season and some more big occasions for the club we are sure of that. We continue to dream again."

Andy and Charlie Cox are looking forward to playing "huge" clubs in League One

Club manager Scott Lindsey said: "It’s the players who did it.

"There were nine players in the squad today who were playing non-league football last year."

Tony Vessey, former Crawley Town captain, told BBC Radio Sussex: “Crawley came from nowhere this season - favourites for relegation in August, to promotion in the play-off final in May.

"A lot of that is down to the manager and the things he instils into the team. I am sure there will be reinforcements too.

“I think they'll be fine in League One.”