Boss Noel Hunt looked back on a case of two points being dropped after substitute Panutche Camara’s last-minute goal robbed Reading of a vital victory in their quest to make the play-offs.
The Royals looked set force a third win in five games after Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan’s deft finish gave them the lead just before the half-hour mark.
But relegation-threatened Crawley grabbed a share of the points in the 90th minute when Camara steered in Kamari Doyle’s pass to end a run of three consecutive defeats and pick up a 1-1 draw.
Reading remain out of the play-off places despite being unbeaten in eight games since the end of January, and a frustrated Hunt admitted: “It felt it was two points dropped.
“The sun was out and the pitch was lively, and we had kept them out until we dropped too deep and let the cross in late in the game.
“It’s disappointing not to have the three points but it was one of those games, we nearly got there.
“We’re unbeaten in eight games but there has been five draws and it’s about turning the draws into wins.
Hunt, in charge for three months, said his men need luck to go with them with 11 games remaining, while he also gave Michael Strickland his first league start as defensive injuries bite.
“We haven’t got the biggest of squads,” Hunt said.
“We’re at home to Wrexham on Tuesday, it is an exciting game and we needed to keep going, keep fighting and give everything we’ve got.”
Crawley manager Rob Elliot felt his men were good value for their point, but confessed that injuries and suspensions were handicapping their battle to avoid relegation.
“We deserved a point and we will move on the best we can,” said the former Gateshead boss.
“We are at the point where we are struggling to put bodies on the pitch.
“I was pleased with the momentum we built up and Panutche gave us energy when he came on and got us the goal.”
The Red Devils host Charlton on Tuesday in a rearranged game which Elliot believes will be their biggest challenge yet.
He said: “Charlton are an exceptional team with a brilliant manager and it will probably be our toughest game of the season.
“This squad can do anything if they put their minds to it, and I will put out players to give me everything.”
