Barker fuming after defeat

Barker: Unhappy with poor defending

Crawley boss Richie Barker admitted that the "negatives far outweighed the positives" as his side lost 5-2 at home to Tranmere on Saturday.

The League One leaders had to come from behind after goals from Josh Simpson and Kyle McFadzean put Crawley ahead, but Barker reacted angrily to the manner of his side's performance at the Broadfield Stadium.

He said: "I won't accept it and to be honest the players shouldn't accept it. If ever they needed a rude awakening then this is it. One or two of them have to pull their fingers out or it will be a long season. I'll do whatever is necessary to improve this."

Barker said his side's defending was "maybe a bit out of character" and added: "It was clear to see that individual errors cost us. Unfortunately that's what happened. Even at 3-2 down and 4-2 down we had chances and it was a positive thing that we were creating chances.

"Tranmere scored five, but we should have done better. It will take some doing for our players to lift themselves ahead of our [Capital One] cup tie at home to Swansea on Tuesday.

"It will be a welcome distraction, but if we can't beat Tranmere we might struggle against Swansea, as I expect them to take it extremely seriously. We must defend far better."