Crewe 1-0 Oldham: King volley lifts Crewe off bottom

Adam King's first-half strike secured Crewe an important 1-0 win over fellow strugglers Oldham and moved them off the bottom of the League One table.

The on-loan Swansea midfielder's 21st-minute effort was the difference between the sides in a scrappy affair at Gresty Road.

Brian Wilson wasted a gilt-edged chance to give Oldham - who suffered a third consecutive defeat - an early lead when he headed Mark Yeates' free-kick wide from just six yards out.

Oldham bombarded the home box with former Crewe striker Michael Higdon the main outlet for David Dunn's side.

But the Railwaymen also took the direct route as Marcus Haber directed Semi Ajayi's free-kick across the box and King despatched the ball into the top corner with a crisp volley for his fifth of the season.

Loan striker Ryan Lowe - who made a swift impact by netting Crewe's midweek winner at Colchester - clipped an effort past the far post at the end of a slick four-man move.

After the restart James Jones went close for Crewe twice. Oldham threw on Jake Cassidy and Dominic Poleon but could not break down Crewe's stubborn defence.

Substitute Ryan Wintle lifted his shot over with the chance to make the game safe in the closing minutes.