Crawley were undone by a double from defender Tony McMahon in today’s 2-0 defeat to Sheffield United.
McMahon curled home two free kicks to make the difference as the Blades went top of League One but the Reds will feel hard done by after dominating for long spells.
Ultimately the Reds paid the price for a lack of cutting edge despite some attractive football on a pitch which held up well after the heavy rain which decimated the football program.
Crawley made just one change to the side which won at Stevenage last week, Claude Davis missed out against his former side, the knee injury he sustained against Stevenage keeping him on the bench alongside another ex-Blade Billy Clarke. Meanwhile boss Richie Barker persisted with his lone striker formation which was successful last week.
Davis was replaced by Wales under-21 defender Joe Walsh, making his first start since he was sent off against Walsall last month.
After a low-key start, it took a last-ditch challenge from David Hunt to deny former Reading striker Dave Kitson after Ryan Flynn and Kevin McDonald had combined to open Crawley up.
At the other end, Gary Alexander’s first time shot flew over after Adams prodded the ball into his path, and the contest was warming up nicely.
Crawley’s first real threat on the half hour saw Mat Sadler drive into the United box after Dannie Bulman sprayed the ball wide, the left back jinked past two challenges before keeper George Long made a brave block at his feet.
But 60 seconds later, Crawley were behind. Joe Walsh was harshly penalised for a foul 25 yards out, and McMahon curled a delightful free kick into the bottom corner.
The goal provoked a positive response from the Reds, as Alexander headed wide, and Mark Connolly fired over from 30 yards after a good spell of pressure.
In fact Barker’s side continued to have the better of the first half as they pieced together some flowing moves, without testing Long in the Blades’ goal.
Encouraged by some of their football in the first half, Crawley controlled the tempo immediately after the break, and Mike Jones flashed a dipping shot inches wide from 25 yards.
United remained a threat however, and Nick Blackman gave the hosts a reminder in the 54th minute, when his fierce shot was beaten away by Paul Jones.
It was starting to open up for both sides, Hope Akpan’s half volley was well held by Long, and the Reds continued to dictate terms.
But again, the hosts were undone by a delicious free kick. McMahon lined it up from range in a central position, and curled his shot into the top corner.
Again, Crawley were positive after conceding, without giving Long much to do. Indeed, Paul Jones was called into action again by Shaun Miller on the break, and United closed out the victory in professional style.
Crawley Town: Paul Jones, David Hunt, Mark Connolly, Joe Walsh, Mat Sadler, Josh Simpson, Hope Akpan, Dannie Bulman, Nicky Adams, Mike Jones, Gary Alexander.
Subs: Michel Kuipers, Billy Clarke (on for Bulman 66), Sergio Torres, Conor Clifford, John Akinde (on for Alexander 74), Nicky Ajose (on for Hunt 83), Claude Davis
Sheffield United: George Long, Harry Maguire, Matt Hill, Ryan Flynn, Michael Doyle, Nick Blackman, Kevin McDonald, Shaun Miller, Dave Kitson, Neill Collins, Tony McMahon.
Subs: Darryl Westlake, Dave McAllister, John Cofie (on for Miller 80), Joe Ironside (on for Kitson 69), Callum McFadzean, Marcus Williams (on for Blackman 90), Danny Coyne.