Cambridge scored twice in the opening seven minutes as they beat Mansfield 3-2 to record their first win in eight League One matches.

Michael Morrison put the U’s ahead after 48 seconds and Josh Stokes quickly fired home a second from the penalty spot.

Ryan Loft made it 3-0 soon after half-time, but the hosts were made to sweat for their first win since December 7 after goals from substitutes George Maris and Lee Gregory.

It was the third time in nine league matches a Cambridge game has seen a first-minute goal – and the second for the U’s.

It came when Stokes fired a shot across goal which was turned home by captain Morrison.

Stokes then scored from the spot six minutes later after he was brought down in the box by Alfie Kilgour.

Cambridge’s third came two minutes into the second half when a corner fell to Loft, who smashed in his first U’s goal.

Maris, against his old club, fired beyond substitute goalkeeper Jack Stevens following a corner in the 61st minute to get the Stags back into the game.

But Mansfield had to wait until stoppage time for their second goal.

Zeno Ibsen Rossi fouled Ben Waine, allowing Gregory to score from the spot, but Cambridge held on.