DEAN Saunders ensured his place in Bradford City folklore for scoring their first Premier League goal.

The Welshman's late winner at Middlesbrough in August 1999 ensured he will always be remembered fondly in West Yorkshire.

And Saunders could soon have a new fan club in West Sussex if he can help Crawley beat the drop to League Two.

The former Wolves boss stepped into the breach after Christmas when manager John Gregory needed a heart operation.

It took Saunders six games to enjoy his first win over high-flying Preston but recent signs are positive as they prepare for tonight's visit to Valley Parade.

The Red Devils are still in the bottom four but now within a point of safety after two wins and a draw from their last three outings.

Crawley bounced back from a 5-0 thumping at Doncaster to beat Barnsley 5-1 – the most emphatic win of their short Football League history.

They followed up with a surprise 2-1 success at Swindon, three days before City were beaten at the County Ground, and then drew 1-1 at the weekend with Sheffield United.

Crawley were within eight minutes of a third top-five scalp when the Blades levelled from the spot.

Saunders said: "We've come a long way if we are expected to beat teams like Sheffield United, so it's good news for the fans and the players. But we can't help feeling disappointed having got that close."

Richard Wood scored their goal on Saturday, the former Sheffield Wednesday centre half quickly making his mark after replacing MK Dons-bound Joe Walsh.

Saunders has been able to name an unchanged team in recent games but is keen to avoid another fractious summer.

All but two of last year's squad left at the end of the season as Gregory was forced to rebuild from scratch – a factor in their struggling situation.

As it stands, only seven of the current squad are in contract beyond the end of this campaign and Saunders is desperate to avoid a repeat scenario.

He said: "You only have to look at the position we are in at the moment to see the problems it has caused. It is not ideal but it is difficult to plan too far ahead when you are trying to keep the team up."