Six of the best delight U’s gaffer Robinson

KARL Robinson said he was proud of his Oxford side for putting their poor run behind them to record a six-goal away success for the second season running.

Robinson’s side showed a ruthless touch at Gresty Road as they revived their hopes of a top-six finish with a crushing win, which equalled the U’s record away victory set last season.

A run of four defeats in their last five had left Oxford with little room for manoeuvre, but they scented blood against a shaky home defence.

Robinson watched from the stands at Gresty Road because he was serving a one-game touchline ban. He said: “It’s how you get over a defeat as this season is so strange.

“To win 6-0 away two years in succession is tremendous, and to win here 6-0 against a good team.

“It was a good professional performance and shows my players really do care. It was a game to remember. To score three in each half is very good and all different types of goals as well.”

Josh Ruffels headed Sam Long’s cross into the bottom corner for Oxford’s 37th-minute opener and then when Crewe keeper Will Jaaskelainen’s

poor kick put his back four under pressure, James Henry sidefooted home Brandon Barker’s pullback.

Skipper Elliott Moore stabbed home the third from a Henry free-kick in stoppage time.

Any chance Crewe had of a recovery was quickly killed off after the restart with Barker allowed room to belt a superb 25-yard finish into the bottom corner. Then Omar Beckles tripped Mark Sykes and although Cameron Brannagan’s penalty was saved by Jaaskelainen, the midfielder followed up to net the fifth in the 50th minute.

Sub Sam Winnall’s far-post header in the 84th minute completed a clinical afternoon in front of goal for the visitors.

Crewe boss Dave Artell lamented his players’ weak mentality as they sunk to their third straight home defeat.

“The intent and mindset of the players was severely effected and that can’t happen,” he said.

“We lost the game in 10 to 15 minutes You’ve get to get going and ride the punches and show more fighting spirit than we did.”