Oldham had their numbers reduced as early as the 14th minute, when Kai Payne was shown a straight red card for a midfield challenge on Danilo Orsi.

The hosts found themselves two men down when Kane Drummond also saw red on the half-hour.

The wide man had raised a boot to control a high ball, Kai Jennings went to head it, and referee David Rock dismissed Drummond.

Micky Mellon’s men dug deep to get to half-time unscathed.

With a full complement of players there had been early chances for Oldham strikers Calum Kavanagh and Mike Fondop, who both missed the target with decent opportunities in the opening five minutes. Both had chances as Oldham battled with nine men.

However, Crawley made the decisive breakthrough in the 52nd minute, with Orsi bundling home after Charlie Barker rattled the crossbar.