PEP Clotet was grateful to the patience of Oxford United's home support as his side recovered from a slow start to beat Gillingham.

The winless visitors had two good chances early on, before the U's seized the initiative.

Even then, it was not until the second half when the hosts made their pressure count - scoring three goals in eight minutes to secure a 3-0 victory.

Clotet, United's manager, said: "I must thank the fans as well, because the game was a bit locked at the beginning.

"It took us 15 minutes to put our footprint into the game and the fans were really patient with the way the team was playing.

"We got the result in the second half. In the first half, even though we dominated after 15 minutes we had to play a bit quicker to create more chances.

"It’s what happened in the second half, especially from the back.

"We found more space and were able to build stronger last third attacks."

Jack Payne broke the deadlock three minutes after the restart, before Joe Rothwell and Rob Hall quickly stretched the lead.

The midfielder, on loan from Huddersfield Town, said: "For it to be in front of the fans, who have been great so far, it was a really nice moment for me.

"I’m happy with any goal I get, so it was nice.

"It came at me quickly and it went in, so I’m happy about it."

United built from the back at every opportunity in an effort to bring Gillingham forward and create spaces.

Deadline day signing John Mousinho was heavily involved on his debut at centre half and was delighted to see the gameplan pay off.

He said: "There’s 100 different ways to play football and the way the manager wants us to play is a certain way.

"I think if we can build from the back we’ll create chances for the forwards.

"When we moved the ball quickly from the back things open up.

"They have two choices: if they come and press you there should be space in between the lines and if they don’t then you should be able to keep the ball all day and really wear them down."