It was a memorable afternoon for Oxford United as the U’s scored six without reply on the road at Crewe.
Goals late in the first half from the returning Josh Ruffels, James Henry and Elliott Moore put Oxford in a comfortable position before second-half strikes from Brandon Barker, Cameron Brannagan and Sam Winnall secured an equaling record-breaking away win in the Football League.
The result leaves the U’s four points off the playoffs with six games remaining.
Here’s how #oufc start at Crewe. pic.twitter.com/aoM8TCQ6hj
— Oxford Mail OUFC (@OxfordMailOUFC) April 10, 2021
Karl Robinson made two changes from Monday’s loss at Accrington with Ruffels and Mark Sykes returning from injury and suspension respectively.
Jack Stevens began in goal behind a back four of Ruffels, Rob Atkinson, Moore and Sam Long.
Brannagan, Henry and Sykes were the middle three with Barker and Elliot Lee and the wide men. Matty Taylor started up top.
It took some time for both sides to get into the game and the U’s best chance almost came in the shape of an Omar Beckles own goal, but goalkeeper Will Jaaskelainen tipped the ball behind.
Oxford looked confident and could have taken the lead shortly after but Jaaskelainen denied Sykes.
Owen Dale struck the post as Crewe began to grow into the game but it was the closest either side would come until ten minutes before the break.
Down the Oxford right, Long and Lee linked up well and the full-back delivered a cross into the box which was flicked on by Sykes and met by the head of Ruffels.
Shortly after, Ruffels won the ball before feeding Barker. He broke towards the byline and played a low cross into the box. Although Taylor missed the ball, Henry was in hand to slot home a quickfire second.
And the game was all but over by the break as Oxford added a third. Henry swung in a deep free-kick and found Moore unmarked at the back post, while the defender remained composed before knocking the ball past the goalkeeper.
Despite the scoreline, the U’s began the second half the way they ended the first and quickly added a fantastic fourth. Barker won the ball inside his own half before bursting forwards. He cut through the Alex defence, cut inside and fired low into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.
Movements later, Sykes was bundled over by Beckles in the box and the U’s were awarded a penalty. Although Jaaskelainen denied Brannagan from 12-yards, the midfielder slotted home the rebound for just his second goal of the season.
At the other end, Dale headed over from six yards before both sides rang the changes. Robinson introduced Mide Shodipo, Dan Agyei and Winnall, while Jamie Hanson came in for Long in defence.
Henry should have added a second when he was played in by Agyei, but a sixth goal was incoming and it was Agyei that would provide the assist. The forward created space on the right and clipped a deep cross into the box which was met by Winnall.
