Crawley boss John Yems has said to blame tiredness for their latest defeat would be “a load of cobblers” ahead of their clash with Carlisle United.

The Red Devils head to Brunton Park hoping to revive a play-off challenge which has been checked with a three-game winless run.

Yems admitted Crawley got “bashed up” by Port Vale in their 3-1 setback on Saturday.

But the Sussex side’s boss, whose team has been hit by injuries recently and has players coming back to fitness, said he would not use the physical rigours of the season as an excuse ahead of their encounter at Brunton Park.

“It’s no excuse that [people are] tired – load of cobblers,” he said.

“Tiredness…everyone’s tired, everyone’s knackered, but we’ve got games to win.

“Supporters want to see us win games and that’s what we’ve got to start doing again.”

Crawley are 11th, six points below the play-offs, ahead of tonight’s game in Cumbria.

They lost at home on Saturday despite a goal from ex-Blues frontman Ashley Nadesan.

Although admitting they conceded a “stupid” goal themselves, Yems refused to be too critical of his side and said they will get back to form.

Speaking to his club’s official channels, he said: “We don’t want to [get in] a habit of being an easy side to beat.

“It was the first time since I’ve been here since we’ve been bashed up like that.

“[Port Vale] were a big, strong side – credit to them, in this division that’s what you’ve got to become sometimes.

“We either sit here crying our eyes out or get onto the next one and have a better go next time.

“But remember what those lads have done already through the season. They have been fantastic and will be good again.”