Crawley paid the price for some atrocious defending as they went down 5-2 at home to League One leaders Tranmere.

Reds had bounced back from conceding a goal after just 70 seconds to lead thanks to efforts from Josh Simpson and Kyle McFadzean.

Tranmere got back on level terms through Jake Cassidy just before the break and Crawley's defence self-destructed in the second half.

Reds gifted goals to Cassidy and Akpa Akpro before Andy Robinson completed their misery with a fifth in the last minute.

Reds got off to the worst possible start as they fell behind after just 70 seconds. The goal came out of nowhere too as a low cross from Holmes was missed by everyone before sneaking inside the far post.

Crawley's response was impressive as they scored twice in the space of four minutes to take the lead.

After 12 minutes Nicky Ajose laid the ball off to Simpson on the edge of the area and he drilled a low shot through a defender's legs and inside a post for his first goal since November.

The home side got their noses in front after 16 minutes when a deep corner from Nicky Adams was headed down by Hope Akpan at the far post for McFadzean to lash a shot into the roof of the net.

Owain fon Williams made saves from Gary Alexander and Mike Jones to keep Crawley's lead at 2-1 and the visitors got back on level terms five minutes before the interval.

It was poor defending from Crawley as Zoumana Bakayogo was allowed to run from his own half into the Reds penalty area before crossing for Cassidy to head home at the far post.

If that was sloppy then the next two goals were virtual gifts as Tranmere took control of the game after half-time. The visitors took the lead within 45 seconds of the restart when Akpa Akpro took advantage of a bad clearance from David Hunt to slot past Paul Jones.

Crawley were denied an equaliser when fon Williams made a smart save from Akpan before Tranmere doubled their advantage.

Mark Connolly woefully underhit a backpass and Cassidy nipped in to gleefully make it 4-2.

The visitors could have had another when Ash Taylor shot against the bar with 18 minutes to go but did make it 5-2 in the final minute when Robinson tucked home from close range.