Hidde ter Avest nipped in to win the ball back inside his own half, playing a first-time pass to Will Vaulks, who in turn found Tyler Goodrham on the right-hand side.

The 21-year-old then played a searching crossfield ball out to Greg Leigh on the left, and the Jamaica international took one touch to kill the pass before sending a dangerous cross into the Tigers penalty area.

Dane Scarlett avoided contact with a diving header, but that allowed the ball to land at the feet of ter Avest, who had bombed down the right when play was switched to Leigh on the left.

The Dutchman controlled the ball on his chest and then poked an effort from inside the six-yard box past Ivor Pandur in the Tigers goal.

The move came 10 minutes into the second half, and would prove to be enough for the U’s to claim all three points.

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It was noteworthy that it was United’s wing backs who combined for the goal, with the U’s changing their formation for the first time this season.

Head coach Des Buckingham has deployed a 4-3-3 set-up, but opted for a 3-4-2-1 shape against the Tigers.

Playing as a wing back is nothing new for summer signing ter Avest, who did so for Udinese during his time with the Serie A club.

“In Holland, we played always with a back four, and in Italy, we played only with a back five, so I’m quite used to it,” said ter Avest.

“When you play well, it’s nice to play in a back five, but in the first half, we didn’t get a lot of chances, and it was a lot of running. Sometimes it’s hard, but it’s a nice way of playing.”

Leigh meanwhile played as a left wing back last season under Liam Manning, and feels comfortable with both the advanced role and the more traditional full back position.

He said: “I honestly think I can do both sides of the game. It’s more exciting to be able to get forward and be a threat at the back stick, as well as provide crosses, and have a bit more license to go forward.

“I truly believe I can do both sides. For example, when I play for Jamaica, I’m more defensive. I’m someone who’s more steady at the back and I make sure we don’t concede in one v ones, and defending the back stick.

“Both suit me. One is obviously more exciting for the team and for the fans, and for me getting forward, but I think I suit both.”