Chris Wilder was encouraged by Oxford United ’s opening game on their US tour against Seacoast Utd Mariners and reserved special praise for the performances of his front three.

Deane Smalley and Sean Rigg were both on target, while James Constable also looked a threat.

The U’s had to contend with humid conditions and an artificial American football pitch, but passed the test.

Sharper finishing would have made the margin of victory more comfortable, but considering the lingering effects of jetlag, Wilder was pleased with his side’s efforts – and felt the strikers stood out.

“The movement from the front three all night was really good,” he said. “I’m delighted Deano and Riggy got goals. We could have had a few more and we were a little sloppy at the end. “Really, we were taking a few chances to look for more goals, so I’m a bit disappointed on that one, but on the whole it was a good night.

“We’ve not been long off a plane so we’re feeling our way into the first few days of the tour. I expect us to get better, but there was a really good attitude from the players.”

Rigg was arguably the man-of-the-match and the Mariners struggled to keep tabs as he switched flanks repeatedly.

The summer signing had several efforts on goal, but had to wait until the 83rd minute to get on the scoresheet with a cushioned volley.

Wilder said: “It looked like one of those nights where Riggy wasn’t going to get the goal he deserved, but he got one in the end.”

The U’s have two more games to play on tour, starting with Seacoast United Phantoms tomorrow night.

The United manager is looking for the players to take it up another notch as they build for the opening game of the season on August 14.

He said: “The early part of pre-season is about working on getting the ball back quickly and pressing to regain possession. “The latter part of pre-season in terms of tidying up in and around the box we’ll do, but I thought the initial shape of the team was really good.”