Altrincham

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James Constable

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Altrincham 0-1 Oxford Utd

Oxford United had enough gas in the tank to see off the challenge of Graham Heathcote's Altrincham at Moss Lane on Saturday afternoon.

U's striker James Constable scored his 21st goal of the season to help keep his side in the hunt for a second-place finish in the Blue Square Premier.

The visitors started brightly and dominated proceedings in the opening half-hour as Constable, Francis Green, Jack Midson and Damian Batt all having chances to break the deadlock.

However, a lack of cutting edge meant the first half ended goalless with Altrincham lucky to escape unscathed.

Oxford finally got the breakthrough they were looking for in the 53rd minute when Constable evaded his marker to head home an Adam Chapman corner.

Constable had a chance to double his and Oxford's tally shortly after opening the scoring, but his effort from 16 yards was saved by Robins goalkeeper Stuart Coburn.

Altrincham finally managed to produce a shot on goal in the 71st minute but goalkeeper Ryan Clarke was up to the challenge, denying a powerful effort from Alty substitute Chris Denham.

The hosts went in search of an equaliser late on but efforts from Ryan Brown and Denham failed to test Clarke in the Oxford goal.

Altrincham bookings: Senior.

Oxford bookings: Bulman.

Ref: Jake Collin (Merseyside).

Att: 1,356.