DES Buckingham was delighted to see his midfield tweak pay off handsomely, as Oxford United claimed their first league win since he became head coach.

Although Buckingham has overseen victories to secure progress in the Emirates FA Cup and the EFL Trophy, the U’s managed two draws and two defeats in Sky Bet League One, prior to the 3-0 win at home to Burton Albion this afternoon.

Key to getting the three points was a tactical tweak Buckingham made in the middle of the park, deploying Marcus McGuane as the deepest midfielder, with Cameron Brannagan and Ruben Rodrigues pushed further forward.

Rodrigues grabbed a brace against the Brewers, with McGuane scoring late on to seal an afternoon to remember for Oxford-born Buckingham.

He said: “We need some flexibility. It’s about surrounding and getting as many players further forward as we can.

“I said when I came in that I want to build a team that’s exciting to watch and scores more goals than the opposition, and plays exciting football.

“I think when you have someone like Cam, and you have Ruben, to complement what you have on the wings, then if you can get them in and around the box a bit more, we’ll get more opportunities.

“It’s important they also understand their defensive roles, as it’s a bit more work for them.”

Buckingham meanwhile praised Brewers goalkeeper Max Crocombe, who kept the scoreline down with a string of saves.

“The players have been excellent this week, we only had Monday to change some of the things we wanted, and we showed glimpses of that at Reading,” said Buckingham.

“We had Thursday and Friday to do a little bit more, and I’m extremely pleased with what I’ve just seen.

“I thought with the exception of Max Crocombe, who had a wonderful game, it could’ve been a couple more.

“I worked with Max when he was a youth team goalkeeper, when I was here, so it was great to see him.”

United’s second and third goals came following a sustained period of pressure, which included a moment of pinball inside the Burton penalty area, with the U’s unfortunate to not score on a couple of occasions.

Buckingham said: “The most important thing is that you keep your control and keep doing what’s got you those opportunities, and that’s what we kept doing.

“It took a very good strike from Ruben for the second, and Marcus’ was a wonderful finish for the third, but as long as you stick to what you’re doing, rather than getting carried away, you get the rewards of it.”