Rob Elliot said three home games in the space of seven days caught up with his Crawley side.

But the head coach did not think a 1-1 draw with high-flying Wigan was a missed opportunity.

Charlie Barker equalised just before the break as Crawley rescued a much-needed point.

Wigan were much the better side and deservedly led through Dale Taylor but could not find a way through in the second half, despite providing the greater threat.

The Reds, with only one home win in the last three months, are two points from safety and Elliot said: “It wasn’t a missed opportunity.

“Before the game, yes it is a great opportunity, but when you see the physicality, you have to be honest and say ‘Wigan were better than us’.

“We are tired, we are exhausted to be honest. But the lads defended and did everything so well.

“We still ground it out. I think ultimately, sometimes you have to take the point and move on and I have told the players this.”

Crawley’s last three games have resulted in five points being taken and Elliot added: “We would have liked it to have been more but it’s five good points and we need to reset, recover and look forward to Saturday (away at Blackpool).

“I’m disappointed we weren’t able to control the game more. We weren’t able to implement our patterns, but fair play to Wigan – they were probably the better team.”