Nicky Ajose slotted home a penalty and then scored a contender for goal of the season in win at Oldham

On loan striker Nicky Ajose was the match winner for Crewe Alexandra at Oldham as his two goals sealed a remarkable Boxing Day win against the odds. Crewe had been reduced to ten men following George Ray’s second red card of the season for a professional foul but the spirit of the dressing room came through as the Railwaymen snatched all three points from Boundary Park thanks to Ajose's wonderful chip.

After the 2-1 win, a modest Ajose told Crewealex.net: “I thought we played poorly today, especially after the way we have played in the last three games but we have managed to get a great result. We have played a lot better in the previous three matches so to get a win here was doubly pleasing.

“Obviously we went down to ten men. We played against that last week against Bristol City and it is difficult but the lads showed great spirit and managed to get a couple of goals.

I am miles away from where I should be.  “I’ve not played consistently since the start of the season so it has taken me a bit of time to get up to speed and I know there is more to come from me. I can play better than I am at the moment but I am still contributing to the time so I am pleased.

“I am enjoying it here at Crewe. They are a great bunch of lads and we are trying to do the right things. I think that we are in a bit of false position at the moment because we have good players here. We are there for a reason but we have enough ability to be out of the bottom four and move up the table.

“It was nice to get two goals but the result is what is important. If I’d scored two and they equalised in the last minute then it would not have been as sweet. Ben Garratt made a fantastic save at the end to keep them out. To score two and for us to win was perfect for me.

He added: “For the second goal, I’ve checked over my shoulder and seen the goalkeeper, he was probably where he shouldn’t be, so I’ve had a go and thought it had a chance. I don’t know wherever the keeper should have saved it but it was a good goal for me. I was pleased with that because it helped the team win.”