Oxford United player ratings for 1-0 Crewe win in League One

JACK STEVENS

One relatively comfortable save from Agyei in the first half, which came from his loose pass. Crewe otherwise failed to trouble him with shots on goal – 6

LUKE MCNALLY

Caused problems several times by bringing the ball out from the back. Defensively sound, winning important headers and making big tackles. Showcased his speed and strength by racing back to dispossess Christopher Long early on. MAN OF THE MATCH – 7.5

ELLIOTT MOORE

Fairly untroubled when he was on the pitch, although his passing could have been better. United will hope his injury is nothing serious – 6

Read the match report here

SAM LONG

Another who came forward with confidence, particularly one first-half run that could have led to a brilliant goal. Stood firm during the brief periods of Crewe pressure – 7

MARK SYKES

Involved in some good stuff before the break and one excellent driven cross deserved a finish. Agyei kept him honest, particularly towards the end, but he did enough to limit his former teammate’s threat – 6.5

HERBIE KANE

Almost scored a spectacular opener within 60 seconds of kick-off. Passing was a little off at times, but he kept looking for the ball and his quick thinking at a free-kick helped create the goal. BOOKED – 6

CAMERON BRANNAGAN

Combative display stopped Crewe’s midfielders gaining a sustained foothold. Influential in the first half when United were at their best and was unlucky not to score late on – 6.5

HIGHLIGHTS: Watch the key moments here

RYAN WILLIAMS

Another solid display at wing back. A little quiet going forward, but he still won the free-kick that led to the goal and set up Whyte a few minutes later. Did his fair share defensively, too – 7

GAVIN WHYTE

Another bright display as Crewe found him difficult to contain. Almost finished off an excellent break, only to be denied by a last-ditch tackle, and was unlucky not to see a late chance fly into the net – 6.5

MATTY TAYLOR

Had a few chances, the clearest coming in the first half when he headed over. His best work was when he assisted others, driving the cross in for the goal and setting up Whyte late on. BOOKED – 6.5

SAM BALDOCK

Only real sight of goal was the half-volley he fired over just before the break. Linked the play well and involved in a good battle with the Crewe centre backs – 6

SUBSTITUTES

Ciaron Brown (for Moore, 55)

An unexpected hero, but he took his goal well. Also chipped in with some important clearing headers late on – 7

Read also: Ciaron Brown delighted to put smiles on Oxford United fans' faces

Marcus McGuane (for Baldock, 74)

Not much time to make an impression, but one lovely turn and pass set up Brannagan – 5.5

Steve Seddon (for Taylor, 90+2)

Unused: Eastwood, Forde, Holland, Winnall.

Substitutes who come on after the 75th minute do not get a rating.