LIAM Manning was delighted to see his Oxford United side adjust to a change of shape in their 3-1 win at Stevenage.

After falling behind to a Jamie Reid strike, the U’s recovered superbly as birthday boy Greg Leigh’s double and a late Elliott Moore header secured all three points.

The big talking point though was United’s formation as Manning switched from his customary 4-2-3-1 to a 3-4-2-1.

The U’s head coach said: “It’s a big win in terms of it being a really tough place to come. They’re tough in terms of the style and relentless nature of loading it up in your half, the physicality and second balls.

“That momentum they build off the directness is what they’re very good at.

“We stood up to that and did a terrific job in matching it in terms of the intensity, duels and controlling seconds.

“The big thing was then we showed some real bravery to play as well.”

On the change of shape, Manning said: “I don’t obsess on systems, it’s more the starting positions.

“We knew with their physicality and directness, an extra physical centre back would help us.

“What it highlights is the way we work in terms of principles of play as opposed to systems and formations. It doesn’t always pay off but today it did.”

During the warm-up before kick-off, the U’s varied between the back three of Moore, Sam Long and Ciaron Brown which started the game and then a four-man defence with the addition of Leigh.

“We obviously look at the opposition in the warm-up and we knew they’d have a look,” said Manning.

“I don’t think we’ve started with a three at the back since I’ve been here and I think the lads dealt with it fine.

“It’s around us understanding the game and understanding how you get success, and making good decisions.”