JIM Smith bounced back into management with his old Midas Touch last night – by inspiring Oxford United's away under-achievers to a 3-1 win at Mansfield.

It was United's first league away victory since their triumph at Northwich on September 2.

In Smith's first match in caretaker charge, following Darren Patterson's dismissal at the weekend, he changed the system to wingbacks, yet got that most important ingredient of all . . . his strikers to score goals.

James Constable and Jamie Guy bagged a goal apiece, and sub Sam Deering applied the final blow with the first goal of his career.

Just as in his two previous spells as Oxford United manager, the Bald Eagle had begun with a win.

He said: "This management lark's not so bad after all – not when you're winning!

"I felt the front two worked very hard, and their understanding together was good. Obviously, scoring goals gives them the confidence.

"It looked like the partnership that we saw in pre-season really."

He added: "I changed the system overnight because we had a different system in training.

"I didn't like the look of that so thought I'd change the system again, and went with the strength and experience of the strong boys.

"One guy who hasn't really hit the headlines for us is Joe Burnell, but I thought he had an excellent game.

"Chris Willmott had the best game I've seen him have since he was injured and so did Eddie Hutchinson, that was one of his best games for Oxford United.

"I'd rested Sam because he'd looked a bit tired in the last two games.

“He didn't get the full rest we'd planned to give him, he came on and played in that hole behind the front two and looked good. He scored a good goal and did very well.

"But everyone worked tremendously hard, and that's what you've got to do.

"It does makes a difference when you score early. We haven't been doing that, although we've had the chances."

The victory came at a cost though, with left back Chris Carruthers picking up an injury in the first half.

Smith said: "The physio thinks he's torn something so the news isn't very good."

l Match report: Page 54