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Oxford United 1-0 Altrincham

Oxford United defeated Altrincham 1-0 in the Blue Square Premier on Saturday afternoon to move eight points clear at the top of the table.

Damian Batt netted his first goal for the club after 65 minutes with the result leaving Altrincham in 13th place and on 18 points from 24 matches.

Oxford's dominance was clear from the off and Matt Green almost found himself free on goal but Alty keeper Stuart Coburn did well to stop Batt's cross from reaching him.

The U's should have taken the lead after just 12 minutes but Green missed from the penalty spot. Simon Clist was fouled by Coburn, who picked up a yellow card for his efforts - but made amends for his actions by saving from the spot.

Altrincham were buoyed by the miss and went on to enjoy a spell of possession and should have taken the lead in the 23rd minute but Colin Little scuffed his shot from only meters out.

Jack Midson had the ball in the back of the away net on the stroke of half time but he was adjudged to have been offside.

United kept up the pressure in the second period with Green and James Constable both looking threatening but it was Batt that finally found the back of the net.

Steven Kinniburgh fed the goalscorer, who smashed the ball into the left-hand corner of the net.

Altrincham came out of their shells after the goal and Kinniburgh needed to be at his best to clear off the line on 85 minutes to keep out a Shaun Densmore effort.

But in the end the league leaders held on for another three points.

Oxford Utd bookings: Constable

Altrincham bookings: Coburn, Lawton, Young

Att: 5609

Ref: I Cooper