The Vics secured the points in the 37th minute thanks to Steele's third goal of the season, the striker finding the bottom right corner from 12 yards.

Both teams were reduced to 10 men on 70 minutes when Richard Battersby and Alex Jeannin tangled and were shown their second yellow cards of the game.

To add to Oxford's woes Ashley Barnes was forced off due to injury late on.

Northwich: Tynan, Battersby, Kerr, Welch, Brown, Danny Williams (Maylett 87), Carr, Wilson, Horrocks, Akins, Steele.
Subs Not Used: Connett, Farquharson, Strong, Morning.

Sent Off: Battersby (70).

Booked: Battersby, Horrocks.

Goals: Steele 37.

Oxford Utd: Turley, Clarke, Quinn, Foster, Jeannin, Anaclet (Corcoran 72), Hutchinson, Day, Twigg, Barnes (Odubade 3), Green (Ledgister 55).
Subs Not Used: Warrell, Posey.

Sent Off: Jeannin (70).

Booked: Jeannin, Odubade, Foster.

Att: 911.

Ref: C Harwood (Manchester).