OXFORD United are keeping their fingers crossed for a more straightforward build-up to a game this weekend.

The U’s host Crewe Alexandra tomorrow buoyed by their first league win of the season and the return to training of Jamie Hanson, Josh Ruffels and Alex Gorrin.

It is a far cry from last Saturday’s trip to Accrington Stanley, which was dogged by injuries, illness and even the team bus failing to start.

United shook off the issues and left the Crown Ground with a 4-1 victory, but that does not mean head coach Karl Robinson wants a repeat of the pre-match stress.

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He said: “This time last week we never knew what would materialise.

“We’re hoping there won’t be too many surprises.”

An outbreak of illness, while not Covid-related, had a major impact on Robinson’s line-up at Accrington.

Cameron Brannagan, Sam Long and Elliott Moore played under the weather, with Mark Sykes too ill to even make the bench.

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For centre back Rob Atkinson, the U’s display in the face of adversity showed the squad’s character.

He said: “It shows how strong we are as a group mentally.

“The gaffer turned it into a positive and that’s credit to him.

“We used it as a motivator and it paid dividends.”

It meant the U’s started with a different back four for the third successive game, but Atkinson believes this will benefit the squad.

He said: “It helps to build partnerships with different players.

“Adaptability as a centre half is a big thing, not just who you’re playing with, but as every striker or winger you’re playing against is different.”