Boss John Gregory admits Crawley’s gruelling schedule is beginning to catch up with them after they slipped to a fifth consecutive defeat at home to Crewe Alexandra.

Reds produced a dismal first half performance as they went in 1-0 down at the break thanks to Uche Ikpeazu’s 18th minute strike.

Gregory’s side improved after the introduction of Jamie Proctor and Jeffrey Monakana in the second half and got back on level terms through a sensational goal from Proctor in the 68th minute.

But substitute Brad Inman grabbed a winner on the counter-attack ten minutes from time to leave Reds in 17th place in League One, just three points above the drop zone.

It was Crawley’s 13th game in the last 42 days and Gregory felt the schedule has had an big affect on their performance levels.

Gregory said: “It is game, after game, after game. We have tried to mix it up a bit in terms of selection but the amount of games is starting to tell on one or two.

“They are not as fresh and they have not got that impetus they had against Wolves three weeks ago. Since that Wolves game we have not won.

“It is the first time I have looked behind me (in the table) and it is a huge shock. Some of the scores have not been good for us today so we have got to accept we are in a bit of trouble.

“Even though we have got games in hand on the others I would much prefer we had the points on the board.

“But at least it is in our hands. We have got to roll our sleeves up and get the two wins we need to make sure we’re in this division next year.”