Crawley let a two-goal lead slip as they lost 4-2 against Peterborough in a pre-season friendly at Broadfield Stadium.

Reds fielded what is likely to be close to their starting XI against AFC Wimbledon in the Carling Cup on Friday and took control against their Championship opponents in the first half.

The impressive Tyrone Barnett gave Crawley the lead after 26 minutes when he controlled a loose ball in the area before firing a shot into the top corner.

Dean Howell doubled the lead two minutes later when he curled a wicked free kick around the wall and past Paul Jones from 20 yards.

The home side could have extended their lead with Jones saving well from Dannie Bulman and Matt Tubbs but Peterborough pulled one back two minutes before the break when Tommy Rowe tapped home from close range after Scott Shearer had saved from George Boyd.

Crawley made nine substitutions at half-time and it had a clear affect on their performance as Peterborough stormed back.

Nicky Ajose put Posh level in the 55th minute with a fine strike from a cross from the left and they took the lead with 19 minutes to go when David Ball headed home a cross from Danny Uchechi.

Willie Gibson had a couple of efforts fly wide from long range as Crawley looked for an equaliser but it was Peterborough who scored again when Paul Taylor ran through unchallenged to fire a low shot under Shearer.