Crawley Town chief executive Michael Dunford gives thumbs-up for loan signing

Despite keeping three clean sheets leading up to the game and an impressive display to beat Cambridge United 3-0 away and draw with second-placed Wycombe Wanderers, they lost 4-0 at Mansfield Town on Saturday.

It was a nightmare for spectators as they showed no attacking threat after conceding the opening goal moments before half-time.

They then conceded another straight after the interval and as if if that wasn’t bad enough, they then followed this up with the sending-off of Gwion Edwards for a dangerous challenge, as Crawley’s topscorer left his ten team-mates to try to claw back some respectability.

However instead of offering anything for the 110 fans who made the long trip to enjoy, their defence seemed to be non-existant as Mansfield, who themselves were chasing their first home win, scored twice in successive minutes.

Reds can now expect to see Edwards banned for three-matches.

As well as this, two injuries became apparent as Joe McNerney did not make the squad suffering with a knee problem.

Then during the game striker Matt Harrold pulled a hamstring and had to be taken off, suggesting he could be out of action for a few weeks.

The small squad was highlighted by the fact they were only able to field five players instead of seven on the subs’ bench.

Dunford said: “The loan window is open from now until November 21.

“It is possible we might do some business by then, even though it might mean a player going out the other way.

“There is nothing specific to announce yet and we haven’t got pots of money becoming available.”

Dunford admitted Saturday’s poor result caught everyone by surprise.

He said: “No-one saw it coming. Everybody was bitterly disappointed.

“But we have got three games this week, two at home, with a chance to put it right.”

Crawley host Yeovil Town this Saturday, who were relegated with them from League One last season.

They then travel to Notts County on Tuesday, September 22 for their rearranged game which was postponed due to international call-ups.

Then on Saturday, September 26 they face the side they beat to seal promotion to League One four years ago, Accrington Stanley at the Checkatrade.com Stadium.

Dunford added: “I’m certain they will improve after this disappointment. Why not come along and see - we have two games both at home and it’s still early in the season.”