Oxford United boss Chris Wilder was de-lighted to see his players produce the perfect response as they storm-ed back to their best with a 4-0 demolition job on Grays.

The manager was criticised, ridiculously, for having “lost the plot” by some on fans’ forums and others had suggested the wheels were coming off after the U’s lost top spot, sold Luke Foster and slipped to their first home defeat this month.

But a first-ever win at the New Rec, and the manner of Saturday’s dynamic performance, showed they are still the team the others have to beat.

And Wilder’s new signings, plus those he brought back into the side with brave decisions, had storming games.

“Sometimes it works, sometimes not, but all I was interested in was the performance of the boys,” he said.

“A clean sheet and four goals away from home – I can’t ask for more than that.

“Our reaction, as always, was not to be made in the press or on those internet message boards. The only way to do it is on the pitch.

“We were convincing winners. I was delighted with the attitude of the players on a difficult wicket. Our play at times was very good.

“In the second half, in particular, we created plenty of openings and took chances. We drove the game forward and the goals will only help our confidence.”

The U’s boss added: “I felt that result would come, and it could have been different personnel in the team.

“The players that have had the chance to gain that result for the team have done that.

“There were good performances all over the pitch . . . the back four – Jake (Wright) and Rhys (Day) looked solid, while the two full backs did their jobs and got forward.

“The midfield two were back at it, Sam (Deering) caused them problems, Alfie (Potter), on a difficult pitch, posed problems and Jack (Midson) did his fair share.

“And I’m delighted for Beano (James Constable), because he’s been knocking at the door the last two games in terms of the chances he’s had, and that will be good for him to get a goal right at the death.”