Crawley fans won’t need reminding what happened the last time Gwion Edwards and Joe Walsh were on international duty together.

Deprived of arguably their two best players Reds slumped to a fourth consecutive league defeat as they lost 4-0 at home to Rochdale.

That result proved something of a watershed, though, as it prompted boss John Gregory to bring in the likes of Keith Keane, Mat Sadler and Marvin Elliott to strengthen their resolve.

Crawley have lost just once in their six games since and are undoubtedly better equipped to cope without the pace and energy of Edwards and the composure of Walsh against Peterborough United today.

Gregory said: “The fact we have lost two of our best players might have been a problem a month ago but not anymore.

“Obviously you are going to miss players of the quality of Joe and Gwion but I’d like to think we don’t miss them too much.

“You saw the other night (at Luton) that we have got replacements ready to come in.

“It is up to those who come in to show me that they deserve to keep their places. They gave me a timely reminder that if they are called upon that they are able to do very well.

“There were performances the other night from some of the boys on the outside like Matt (Harrold), Gavin (Tomlin), Lewis (Young) and Sonny (Bradley) who did particularly well. If they perform like that every week they will hang on to their places in the team.

“We were on a low after that game against Rochdale. People were down but we’ve picked up a bit of momentum since and confidence tends to spread throughout the whole club when you’re on a decent run. It is not just the first team, it affects everyone. Suddenly people who were on the fringes of the team find some form.

“Confidence grows and you don’t fear anybody. You can even notice it on the training ground that the quality has stepped up a gear but the challenge now is to keep it going for as long as possible.”

In contrast Peterborough arrive at the Checkatrade.com Stadium on a bit of a low having won just once in their last five games having made a flying start to the season with five wins in six.

Darren Ferguson’s side have also been beaten in their last two away games at Yeovil and Gillingham and Gregory believes their attacking style could play into Crawley’s hands.

Gregory added: “Their whole philosophy is to go for it whether they are at home or away so I’m sure they will come to win the match. They are a very attacking team and that sometimes gives more opportunities for the opposition to exploit.

“That will suit us. We have struggled a little bit for goals this season, although we have scored seven in our last four games, so the fact they play an open and expansive style should enable us to create more chances.”