RUFUS Brevett was sent off as Oxford United's play-off charge stuttered in a 1-0 defeat at Northwich on Saturday.

Left back Brevett was shown the red card for retaliating when he was fouled by Richard Battersby on 42 minutes.

He appeared to kick out at the Northwich right wingback and the ref immediately brandished a red card before, after a lengthy delay, he then booked Battersby for the initial foul.

James Dean fired Vics into a seventh-minute lead and it was a sloppy goal from United's point of view as a routine left-wing cross wasn't cleared. And, with Brevett not marking him, Dean had time to control the ball and shoot past Billy Turley.

United's keeper made two good saves as Northwich broke against their ten-man opponents in the second half, but although they dominated the second half, the visitors couldn't find a way past inspired keeper Phil Senior.

He saved superbly from Chris Hargreaves and sub Rob Duffy.

Brevett now faces a three-match ban and with Gavin Johnson expected to be fit to return at left back against Weymouth on Easter Monday, the 37-year-old former Doncaster, QPR and West Ham defender may have played his last game for Oxford, although he will no doubt be needed as back-up if they get through to the play-offs.

Jim Smith's men remain in second place in the Conference, but others are closing fast. Morecambe drew 3-3 at Stevenage and are level on points with Oxford, while York re-emphasised their play-off credentials by winning at Burton. Exeter also won so it looks as though five clubs are fighting hard for the four play-off positions.

Dagenham clinched the title by beating Aldershot 2-1.

Oxford Utd: Turley, Day, Corcoran, Quinn, Brevett, Pettefer (Anaclet h-t), M Foster, Hargreaves, Rose (Duffy 82), Robinson (Zebroski h-t), Odubade. Subs not used: Tardif, Gunn.

Att: 1,552.