KARL Robinson was thrilled to see Oxford United execute their game-plan to perfection at Crewe Alexandra.

After a cagey opening 35 minutes the U’s went ahead through Josh Ruffels and never looked back, pressing their opponents into errors and showing a clinical edge to win 6-0.

It was a welcome change from United’s disappointing 2-1 home defeat to Accrington Stanley on Monday – and a world away from Crewe's comfortable 2-0 victory at the Kassam Stadium in November.

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The hosts, now 15th, have been just as inconsistent as the U’s this season, but Robinson knew they had the ability to hurt his side if given the chance.

“It shows how we got our pressing completely wrong when we played them at home,” the U’s head coach said.

“The players worked really hard this week to get the press right against a unique team to play, because of how good they can be in possession.

“I thought the players got their angles right.”

Ruffels had missed the last two games, while fellow full-back Sam Long was also involved in the opening goal as the pair played together for the first time since March 2.

Robinson said: “I always say when we have most of our players fit I think we’re a very good team.

“You never want to rotate your back four or your holding midfield players, but we’ve had to at certain times.”

Player ratings: what we thought of Oxford United at Crewe

The U’s boss watched the game from the stands as he served a one-match touchline ban following last Friday's red card at Sunderland, but it did not prove a hindrance.

“I could still get messages off to my staff,” Robinson added.

“When you’re in the stands and there’s fans it’s so much harder, because you can’t shout over people.

“It’s a different experience in the stands when there’s nobody here.”