Crewe Alexandra - 3 Oxford United - 1

CREWE'S strengthening drive for survival was given another boost on Saturday when two controversial late goals sealed a vital win over fellow strugglers Oxford.

Just over a month ago the Alex were clinging by their fingertips on the relegation precipice, but a shock win at Bolton gave them a foothold to launch an astonishing climb in form and give them real sight of safety.

Last weekend's victory signalled the latest stage in the club's evolution as they imposed themselves on the game, finally showing the self belief needed to complement their ability.

But despite a commanding performance in which they dominated possession, the match will always be tainted by the storm kicked up over the winning goals.

With the score at 1-1 Colin Little regained the lead for the Railwaymen when he latched onto a Phil Charnock shot from what seemed to be an offside position to score on 84 minutes.

Then United keeper Paul Gerrard was sent off three minutes later for allegedly hauling down Rodney Jack as he took the ball around him in the penalty area and as the furious appeals died down Shaun Smith calmly despatched the spot kick.

The home side first took the lead on 56 minutes with Danny Murphy's first goal since his temporary return from Liverpool.

Little, finally hitting some of the outstanding form he showed at the back end of last season, jinked effortlessly past the challenges of two Oxford defenders before teeing up Murphy who picked his spot from the edge of the box.

Oxford equalised minutes later when Matt Murphy flicked on a Les Robinson free-kick for Andy Thompson to turn and lash home on the volley.

But finally Crewe got that "little bit of luck" manager Dario Gradi has prayed for all season and suddenly with games in hand on fellow drop dodgers, their fate lies in their own hands.

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