Patterson was under growing pressure following a poor start to the season

Oxford United manager Darren Patterson has spoken of his delight and relief after his side's emphatic 3-1 win over Cambridge on Tuesday.

The former Northern Ireland international had been under pressure after the U's had dropped to 20th in the Blue Square Premier table.

Patterson told BBC Oxford: "It was much needed. We aren't getting carried away it is only three points.

"But it was one we really needed. I am pleased for my players."

Despite the euphoria surrounding the victory, Patterson is determined that the result is used as a stepping stone to improve the club's league position.

"It [the position] is not good enough, we are under no illusions about that. But I am really happy for the lads, they are an honest bunch and they now know what they need to do."

The lads showed great character and we deserved it. Hopefully we can push on from this now Oxford winger Lewis Haldane

The U's, who ended a winless run of 10 games on live television with the victory, would have dropped into the relegation places if they had not won on Tuesday.

After taking the lead through Jamie Guy, Felinho Jardim equalised for the visitors before goals from Adam Murray and Lewis Haldane made the result safe.

Winger Haldane hailed the character of the team following the impressive win at the Kassam Stadium.

"When they got the equaliser I thought he we go again," he told BBC Oxford.

"But the lads showed great character and we deserved it. Hopefully we can push on from this now."