Martin Ling was delighted to see his side get their season up and running properly with victory over Eastbourne.
The U's hadn't won in their first five games, but first half goals from Josh Coulson and James Jennings secured victory over the Sports.
Ling said afterwards: "When you've gone the first five games without a win you wonder if you're doing things right, so to win helps everyone's confidence. It was two set plays we scored from but we always looked in control and should have won by more. At least we're talking about a win tonight rather than a draw or defeat."
United's starting line up was still in doubt right up to kick off, with the club deciding to file an appeal against the sending off of James Jennings earlier today, allowing the left back to feature and score the second goal.
Ling said: "We didn't know what the side would be until we'd put the appeal in for James Jennings. After watching the DVD we decided to appeal, and we called Rory McAuley in at right back. We worked on set plays on the pitch a couple of hours before the match, and we might do that all the time now. We are potent from those positions, Josh and Brian Saah are a threat in the air and James Jennings' delivery was excellent. So all in all it's a pleasing afternoon, and it gives us the belief we're moving in the right direction. We always say it but needed the evidence to show that we are.
"People will say we're expected to beat Eastbourne, but teams like them have been our nemesis before, so that's pleasing too and we needed that belief on the back of a couple of good performances but not good results. Mansfield are top of the table, and we played them on Saturday and I didn't think they were that great. It's a very open league, it's difficult for everyone and I remain confident we'll be in the mix come the end of the season, even given our start.
Ling was also pleased to see striker Daryl Clare get 90 minutes under his belt as he continues his comeback from injury.
The manager said: "It was a good stint from Daryl, he's always a threat and is very knowledgable of the game. He can guide Wrighty and other people through the games, a voice like that can help and that's how he got through the match today, with that nouse and know-how."
The manager concluded: "Now our season's started, we feel it's got up and running and we have to push on with the Gateshead game. A win always gives you that bit more confidence as a squad and it's a nice feeling to have in the dressing room."
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