Ten-man Alex hold league leaders
Matt Tubbs netted his 15th goal of the season to secure a 1-1 draw for leaders Crawley against a resilient Crewe side who played 75 minutes with 10 men.
Wes Fletcher had put the home side ahead after just nine minutes before Shaun Miller was given his marching orders with just 15 minutes on the clock, but Tubbs ensured Town stretched their unbeaten run to 15 games.
Crewe had flew out of the blocks, Byron Moore and Miller both testing Crawley goalkeeper Scott Shearer with early efforts before Fletcher headed the Alex in front.
Miller should have doubled the lead moments later but fluffed his header at the far post when Powell swung in the perfect free-kick.
Miller's afternoon was cut short soon after when referee Stuart Attwell showed the youngster a straight red after going in over the top in a 50-50 challenge with Sergio Torres.
Crawley took control and Tubbs headed home Andy Drury's cross to level in the 31st minute.
Alex `keeper Steve Phillips had to produce two superb saves to keep out headers from Tubbs and Torres while the former also nodded another effort inches wide.
Attwell fell further out of favour with the home crowd when he awarded a free-kick rather than a penalty after Pablo Mills tripped Moore in the box.
The under-pressure referee then suffered more abuse from the home crowd after waving away appeals for another penalty when Moore's goalbound shot was clearly handled in the box.
Crawley offered little in attack late on as the Alex's 10 men held on for a deserved point.
Source: DSG
Source: DSG