Struggling Green pay the penalty at Hoddesdon Town

Hesitant defending allowed Hoddesdon to take the lead through Ben Andreos after only 72 seconds and, while Luke Lincoln and Lee Hayward both went close for Crawley, the hosts doubled their lead after 17 minutes as Jamie Brandon netted.

With 29 minutes gone, Green had a lifeline, when the busy Hayward was brought down in the box and Crawley were awarded a penalty.

Unfortunately they failed to take advantage as Lincoln’s fierce effort hit the post. 

Just before the break, Hoddesdon made Crawley pay for their missed chances when Robbie Carroll broke through to easily beat Scott Bates.

Carroll made it four after 52 minutes and Tony Neilson rounded off Green’s torrid evening with a late goal.

On Saturday, Crawley, who are now second bottom in the league, travel to Totternhoe in the Beds Senior Trophy.