Ajose magic lifts 10-man Crewe

Friday 26 December 2014 18:23, UK

Crewe's 10 men earned a 2-1 victory at Oldham to make it back-to-back wins in their fight against relegation.

Alex beat leaders Bristol City in their previous outing and followed up in style thanks to Nicky Ajose's brace. Oldham dominated the first half and Jabo Ibehre almost put them in front, but Crewe also went close through Ajose and Harry Davis. The visitors went down to 10 men in the 56th minute as George Ray dragged back Jonathan Forte on the edge of the box and, having been deemed the last defender, was shown a straight red card. Mike Jones fired inches wide from the resulting free-kick and, moments later, Oldham's Joseph Mills crashed a shot against the crossbar from 20 yards. But Crewe went ahead through a 70th-minute penalty, which was awarded for George Elokobi's foul on Davis and calmly drilled in by Ajose. Elokobi made amends five minutes later when he met Michael Tidser's inswinging corner and bundled in Oldham's equaliser from four yards. But Ajose produced a piece of magic in the 86th minute as he spotted goalkeeper Paul Rachubka off his goalline and scored with a brilliant 30-yard chip from close to the right touchline.