Oxford Utd 2, Chesterfield 1 SUBSTITUTE Derek Lilley pounced for a last-minute winner for Oxford United in Saturday's relegation six-pointer at the Manor Ground to give new manager Denis Smith his second successive victory.

And it was a goal which could prove priceless, judging by the reaction of the Chesterfield players when the final whistle sounded just moments later.

They looked at though they were resigned to the drop - and that's one of the four relegation places taken up.

At this stage of the season, results are far more important than performances, which is what made the previous Saturday's win at Wycombe special, because United played so well that day and also got the result.

Against bottom club Chesterfield, a much more defensive and physical side, Oxford never reached the same heights but, thanks to two superbly-taken goals, they captured the three points they desperately needed.

In fact, as often happens in a scrappy game, all the goals were spectacular efforts. Peter Fear gave United the lead with the early goal they wanted in the tenth minute - and what a beauty it was.

Craig Russell laid the ball to him on the edge of the area and Fear hit a first-time, right-foot shot into the top corner from 25 yards.

Keeper John Vaughan got a hand to the shot but couldn't keep it out.

United had begun the game apprehensively - which was hardly surprising considering their home record - but they were much the better team in the first half.

Matt Murphy had a looping header saved after Phil Whelan added his height to an attack, and the midfielder also went close with a left-foot shot, after charging down a clearance, which Vaughan saved low to his left.

The home defence was compact and highly efficient, Whelan and Paul Powell the pick of it, and Chesterfield offered little going forward.

But all that was to change in the second half after they brought on Jonathon Howard for Steve Wilkinson. Chris Perkins lifted the Spireites' spirits with two efforts on goal - and just before the hour mark, they equalised with a goal out of nothing by their most dangerous player, Ryan Williams.

The tiny midfielder, an £80,000 buy from Tranmere last week, struck a brilliant left-foot volley when a cross by Tony Carss was headed out to him 20 yards from goal. The ball flashed past Paul Lundin and into the net.

Powell had already emerged as Oxford's man-of-the-match with some fantastic runs down the left and, as Chestefield threatened to score a second goal, he came to the rescue with a stunning last-ditch tackle.

Williams was bursting through on goal but Powell caught him up and somehow flicked the ball away with his outstretched boot.

With Nigel Jemson and Russell finding the ball constantly headed away, Smith decided to bring on Lilley and then Steve Anthrobus as he searched for a winner. Murphy almost got it with a shot from close range, and then Whelan helped on Les Robinson's cross, but it went straight at the keeper.

With a minute to go, Lilley was presented with a gift as Steve Blatherwick played a back pass far too short.

The substitute nipped in, bravely got in a shot before Vaughan arrived and then gleefully watched the ball finishing high in the net.

The Oxford fans in the London Road end celebrated as though safety had been assured. There is still a long way to go, but this was one giant step in the right direction.

Story date: Monday 21 February

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