Iain DowieÂ’s battling Oldham side ended CreweÂ’s ten-match unbeaten run with a hard fought win which lifts them above their promotion rivals into fourth place in the Second Division.
The 2-1 triumph against their hosts, who were forced to play the last 24 minutes with ten men after centre-half Steve Foster was red-carded, also maintained OldhamÂ’s unbeaten away record and keeps them in contention with the leading pack after their recent poor form.
Foster, who has been one of CreweÂ’s most consistent performers this season, had a key role to play in the course the contest took in the second half.
His side had clawed their way back on to level terms ten minutes after the break when leading scorer Rob Hulse, returning to the starting line-up after a four-game injury absence, headed home Kenny LuntÂ’s free-kick, which was expertly arrowed in down the right side of the box.
But lively centre-forward Wayne Andrews caused the home defence problems all afternoon with his strong running and none more so than on the hour mark when he broke free into the box and Foster could only push him to the ground.
The veteran David Eyres found the bottom left-hand corner of the net with his penalty kick to restore the visitorsÂ’ advantage.
Their relentless pressurising and greater physical strength had seen them dominate the opening exchanges and they got their reward midway through the first half when Carlo Corazzin stabbed the ball home from close range after David Beharall had turned John EyreÂ’s corner across the six-yard box.
But Crewe came thundering back and Oldham were indebted to Australian keeper Les Pogliacomi who first turned LuntÂ’s free-kick away from his top left-hand corner and then made a brilliant reflex save to push Neil SorvelÂ’s deflected volley around the post.
Lunt also thrashed a shot on to the upright and Pogliacomi continued to be overworked at the start of the second period.
However, Foster escaped with a yellow card from David Elleray in the penalty incident, but was clearly wound up by Andrews. And when the forward broke again on the right touchline he lunged at him, sending him hurtling towards the hoardings and this time there was no mercy from the referee.
However, even down to ten men, Crewe still pressed and substitute David Vaughan should have levelled in injury time.
The youngster was presented with a shooting chance from ten yards after Rodney Jack had pulled the ball back from the by-line, but he drilled his effort the wrong side of the post.