Crawley 3 Bradford City 1: Reid’s sweet strike is of little consolation to City chief Parkinson

“There’s things we need to work on,” reflected Parkinson, whose side remain in the bottom three with just six points from nine games after their disappointing defeat at the Broadfield Stadium.

Kyel Reid gave the Bantams a deserved 12th-minute opener, but three goals in 34 second-half minutes made sure Crawley took the points.

Reid, who had a trial with Championship side Barnsley earlier this season, needed no second invitation when given time on the edge of the penalty area. His sweet strike flew into the bottom right-hand corner and left goalkeeper Scott Shearer no chance.

Not long after, Jamie Devitt could have doubled the visitors’ advantage but Shearer was alert to his effort.

Scott Neilson and Scott Davies both forced first half saves from Bantams’ goalkeeper Matt Duke, before Devitt blazed over just before the break.

But it was the hosts who controlled proceedings following the resumption and they were rewarded when Matthew Tubbs whipped in a delightful ball and Barnett headed past Duke for the equaliser.

Duke then pulled off a tremendous save to thwart Neilson, only for Andy Drury to beat him with a clinical strike shortly after the hour mark.

Substitute Ross Hannah nearly levelled for the Bantams but his shot was well-saved by Shearer with seven minutes remaining.

And, with just two minutes left on the clock, it was Barnett who made sure of the points for the hosts when he poked home from close range for his second goal of the game.

Crawley Town: Shearer, Griffiths, Eastman, Davis, Davies, Hunt, Bulman, Neilson (Pittman 68), Drury (Doughty 87), Tubbs, Barnett (Akinde 90). Unused substitutes: Kuipers, Wilson.

Bradford City: Duke, Branston, Oliver, Mitchell, Moore, Threlfall (Hunt 34, (Hannah 77)), Flynn, Jones, Reid, Devitt (Fagan 61), Hanson. Unused substitutes: Tongue, Compton.

Referee: K Stroud (Dorset)

Man of the match: Tyrone Barnett .