The Reds were a goal behind at the break after a poor first-half, which saw very few goalscoring opportunities in a bitterly cold afternoon.
John Yems reacted by bringing on an extra forward in Tom Nichols, who replaced the quiet Tyler Frost.
The hosts immediately improved and found a leveller just minutes after the restart. James Tilley followed up his goal at Barrow last week, with a stunning strike from outside the box.
Crawley’s tails were up and it looked like they then might find a winner but it was Mansfield who broke clear and sealed the three points.
Here’s how we rated the players.
The hosts immediately improved and found a leveller just minutes after the restart. James Tilley followed up his goal at Barrow last week, with a stunning strike from outside the box.
5. Ludwig Francillette - 6
A towering presence in a defence, which looked solid for large periods but was ultimately beaten twice, in both halves. Ludwig covered Tony Craig well for much of the afternoon. A brilliant recovery to tackle on an attacker, who looked to be in on goal. Was beaten for pace late on as sub Tyrese Sinclair missed a guilt-edged chance to seal the game. Picture by Pete Norton/Getty Images
6. Tyler Frost - 5
Almost anonymous in the first half and was replaced at the break, as Yems brought on an extra striker in Tom Nichols. Frost didn't do too much wrong but wasn't making a decisive impact.
7. Jack Powell - 6
One of a few lacklustre performers in the first half but grew into the game. Kept hold of the ball well on the whole but struggled to find that final pass.
8. James Tilley - 8
Need a goal? James Tilley is your man. A week after scoring the winner at Barrow, Mr Reliable stepped up at the crucial time to draw Crawley level straight after the restart with a brilliant strike from outside the area. Only negative point is that he is sometimes guilty of keeping hold of the ball for too long but you can't fault his endeavour. Rightly named sponsors' man of the match. Picture by Cory Pickford SUS-211124-095529004