Luke Steele's 10th-minute strike was enough for Northwich to register a vital away win over Oxford and leave them just three points from safety.

Steele struck his ninth goal in eight games to give the Vics the spoils when he lashed home a right-footed shot from the edge of the box.

Luke Forster saw red for Oxford when he was dismissed after 57 minutes following two bookable offences.

Michael Howard went close for Oxford but Ben Connett made a smart save.

Oxford Utd: Turley, Day, Howard, Quinn, Foster, Anaclet, Hand (Blackwood 46), Murray, Trainer, Richards (McAllister 46), Green (Odubade 62).
Subs Not Used: Hutchinson, Clarke.

Sent Off: Foster (57).

Booked: Foster, Anaclet, Day.

Northwich: Connett, Welch, Belle, Ryan Brown, Roberts, Mullan, Crowell, Byrne (Carr 76), Byrom, Steele (Burns 89), Stamp (David Brown 81).
Subs Not Used: Horrocks, Meadowcroft.

Booked: Crowell, Byrom, Welch.

Goals: Steele 10.

Att: 4,673

Ref: A Watts (Kidderminster).