I agree with RLC, who is also lost for words. It was a dispiriting performance. There's not much I could say, even less I want to.
In summary, we were well off the pace and could hardly string three passes together. Crawley were first to the ball most of the time. It was even Stevens for the first quarter with the hosts looking very much like a mid-table side and the visitors unable to take advantage. Our only chance was a Jonnie Smith header hit tamely at the keeper. After that, gradually Crawley took control and scored twice as described above. Their first goal was the first shot on target from either side.
Just after half-time, Jonnie found Bucko on an overlap and the full-back was chopped down in the area. He set the ball up to take the penalty himself but then deferred to Nors, who sent the keeper the wrong way. (BTW, how many goals has Nors now scored for us? It must be nearing the 100.) Unfortunately, hopes of an equaliser quickly evaporated as Crawley looked the more likely to score - and so it proved when in stoppage time the ball was lost in midfield and their forward was clean through with only Macca to chase him.
There were quite a few issues with our performance. Our midfield was never in control. Playing with two wingers and three youngsters, we tended to get overrun despite Perkins' best efforts. Micky realised this and brought on Banks and Jennings for Smith and Tollitt, but soon after withdrew Perkins for Morris and we looked no better. Manny was solid as usual and it was good to see Macca back to full fitness, but losing Caprice and Ellis has left us short of pace at the back. The only player with any speed in the defence (Zoom) had a poor game and his passing was atrocious. Nors and Daggers tried hard but had only occasional scraps to feed on. I felt sorry for Ben, who played sensibly and did a lot to protect Zoom from the dangerous Morais, but just after he had had a chance to show his speed he was taken off. Has he played his last game for us? I hope not. MoM? Not awarded, as no-one deserved it, although I thought Manny was the best of a poor bunch.
I have seen worse refs and his occasional inconsistency did not cost either side but his booking of Buxton was harsh, particularly as an even worse challenge by their defender did not even earn a free-kick.
I am disappointed with the display but not disturbed. Remember the players have been under intense pressure with the four "cup finals" and some easing off was inevitable. I don't think it will affect morale for the play-offs and we now have a few more match fit players to involve.
One of the few positives is that Crawley's is one of my favourite grounds. It is modern but not lacking in character. The away area is large and you can choose to sit or stand. The catering is reasonably priced and the service pleasant. And where else can you park free within a two minute walk of the ground? Another plus was the fantastic away support, making up nearly a quarter of the attendance.
Now, let's draw a line under that game and move on to the play-offs against three sides we have not beaten this season. It will be tough, but should not be beyond us.