It was Saturday blues again for Crewe as Oxford came out on top of the battle of the red a whites at Knockrammer Park.
Oxford started the better in the game and continued in that vein for the first hour of the game. Crewe struggled to get any foothold in the game and Warner Mullan could have opened the scoring after 20 minutes after creating space but in the end his tame shot went wide.
At the other end Noel Halfpenny had a good opportunity to go through on goal but his first touch saw him stretch as his shot went over the bar.
Oxford had more chances created by poor defensive decisions and Marcio Soares should have scored only for Ryan Burig to make a good save in the Crewe goal as the Glenavy side looked vulnerable.
The home side’s advantage deservedly became numerical on the stroke of half time after more indecision in the visiting box and Dean Youle pulled down Jason Rogers and the experienced Warner Mullen calmly dispatched the resulting penalty.
HT: Oxford Sunnyside 1 Crewe United 0
Crewe looked slightly more inventive as the half started and Anto McGonnell made McKerr in the Oxford nets pull off a stunning save from a half volley.
It took the introduction of Dan Smith, Tiernan McAuley and Gary Brown just after the hour mark to change the course of the game in Crewe’s favour.
With more intent and improved passing Crewe began to put Oxford under pressure. Conor Maxwell hit the crossbar with a header and Dean Youle had a chance cleared off the line as it looked like Crewe had evened up the game.
The pressing continued but Crewe were made to pay for an hour of play which was well below par. A disappointing result but credit to Oxford who took the 3 points which they deserved over 90 minutes.
FT: Oxford Sunnyside 1 Crewe United 0
