'We complement each other' - Crawley Town midfielder Jack Powell praises partnership with Jake Hessenthaler after Colchester draw

Powell and Hessenthaler have started every league game under interim manager Lewis Young.

Since Young’s appointment almost two weeks ago, the Reds have won two and drawn one, and have moved out of the League Two drop zone.

“Sometimes you can play with someone and just have an understanding straight away,” said Powell. “That’s something that’s happened with the two of us.

“I think we give the team a good balance and we complement each other with our different strengths. Long may it continue.”

After going a goal down inside 20 minutes, Crawley rallied to take the lead in the second half. But the Reds had to settle for a draw after Junior Tchamadeu struck for the U’s in the 62nd minute.

“It was disappointing to go ahead and then concede again,” said Powell. “We’d had liked to do a bit more at 2-1 by going further and securing those points.

“In the end, we conceded some sloppy goals which we should’ve ironed out better as a collective.”

Crawley’s game at Colchester was their fourth in two weeks, but Powell dispelled any notion that the players were flagging.

“You never really want to say that we’re too tired,” he said. “But we have put a lot into the last couple of games, especially Saturday. And then you come here, and you have to be ready to go again.

“It can be difficult going from Saturday to Tuesday at times, but that’s just the way it is.”

Powell was also quick to praise the 240 Reds supporters who made the midweek trip to Essex.

“There was a moment in the first half when I just tuned in and could really hear them,” he said.

“They were so loud and kept us going under pressure. We know they’re always with us, and hopefully they’ll come with us to Bradford [this Saturday].”