In two of the three games that David Rock has previously refereed an Oldham fixture, he has shown red cards to Ryan Woods and Mike Fondop, the last of which was on the last away game of last season and was rescinded.

And the pattern continued, with Latics down to nine men by the half-hour mark, while goalkeeper coach Scott Davies was sent to the stands after attempting to speak to Rock at half-time.

Kai Payne was the first to be dismissed for what looked a firm but fair midfield challenge on Danilo Orsi in the 14th minute, while Kane Drummond was red carded on the half-hour for merely raising his foot to control a high ball, before Kai Jennings steamed in from behind to head it.

Rock deemed both incidents instant dismissals.

But rather than rock the Latics boat, it galvanised them, and having had early chances through Calum Kavanagh and Mike Fondop in the opening five minutes might have gone ahead with late first-half efforts from both strikers.

In the end, it was goalless at the break.

Latics continued to battle in the second half but conceded seven minutes into it with a frustratingly scruffy finish for Crawley.

Charlie Barker rattled the underside of the crossbar with an impressive strike, and Orsi bundled it home.

Latics continued to defy their two-man disadvantage and dug deep, but could not get the break they needed in the box.

Kavanagh had a couple of chances, firing straight at the keeper with one and chipping another over the bar, while substitute Tom Hill was unlucky with a drive in the last minute of stoppage time.

There won't be many occasions Oldham Athletic are applauded off for losing at home to the league's bottom club, but fans showed their appreciation for the effort amid the circumstances.