KARL Robinson dedicated Oxford United’s hard-fought win at Crewe Alexandra to Joey Beauchamp.

The U’s played for the first time since the club legend’s death was announced on Saturday evening and substitute Ciaron Brown’s second-half strike secured a 1-0 victory.

The 648 away fans applauded and sang the former winger’s name in the 11th minute, but Robinson explained why United will save their tributes for this Saturday’s home game against Cambridge United.

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The U’s head coach said: “We didn’t wear black armbands for a reason.

“We felt that everything’s got to be at home, the game on Saturday is just about Joey.

“It’s been difficult for everyone at the club and the fans.

“For the fans to come out in their hundreds and sing the way they did is tremendous testament to them.

“This football club means a lot to people and he meant the world to a lot of people as well.

“This is for him and his family, and we get ready to celebrate his life at the weekend.”

Robinson added: “We’re pleading with everybody to get inside that stadium.

“We’ll celebrate his life in a way that we see fit.

“We can’t wait to be back at home, wear that yellow shirt with tremendous pride.

“We send our wishes to his family and look forward to what we have to do before the game, just as much as the game in some ways.”

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United controlled large spells of the first half at Crewe, but Sky Bet League One’s bottom side improved and ran the visitors close.

The home side were inches away from taking the lead when Christopher Long rattled the crossbar from close range after the restart.

But the U’s eventually broke the deadlock 19 minutes into the second half when Brown hooked home following a goalmouth scramble.

Robinson said: “I thought in the first half we were far better. I think we had 14 shots and none on target.

“They didn’t play on Saturday and we were away at Charlton, so it’s a massive ask – regardless of the strength of the opposition or where they are in the league.

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“These are a good club, well managed, and they’re just not having any luck.

“They got the luck in the first half because of our poor finishing, but the chance they missed in the second half wasn’t great.

“When you’re down there it doesn’t go for you.

“To score in a scrappy way that we did and hold out was pleasing.”