Logical decisions are being made
An attack-minded player with physical presence and Football League experience, Sam Jones, has been brought in on loan until January.
Caretaker manager Russell Milton came out of the tunnel ahead of kick-off and went straight over to salute the 140 travelling fans.
Chelsea loan youngster Jacob Maddox was used in his preferred attacking central midfield role, rather than on the left.
Homegrown striker George Lloyd was among the seven substitutes.
Another academy graduate, defender Matt Bower, has been sent to National League South club Weston-super-Mare.
Cheltenham still have plenty of work to do and problems to solve, but these small, seemingly obvious steps, have already improved things and smiles are back on faces both in the dressing room and in the stands.
The players and staff are right behind Russell Milton
Cheltenham took the lead for the first time in a League Two match this season and after half-time substitute Jones' debut goal, they showed plenty of resolve and character to hold out for a morale-boosting three points.
Cambridge applied plenty of pressure in both halves, but they could not find a way through.
Scott Flinders maintained his impressive start to the season, with Johnny Mullins outstanding in front of him making countless headed clearances and blocks as cross after cross was delivered into the box.
Flinders' best save came five minutes into the second half after a misplaced pass from Will Boyle was seized upon by George Maris, advancing quickly from his line to narrow the angle on Jevani Brown and block his low effort.
The Robins' number one had also reacted well to block from Ade Azeez in the first half, recovering quickly to dive on the loose ball.
Milton made a double substitution at the break, sending on Jones and Kevin Dawson in place of Liam McAlinden and Conor Thomas.
He was not satisfied with the way his team carried out their gameplan in the first half and decided to match up Cambridge, challenging his players to win their individual battles.
They did not let him down.
A battling away victory in a scrappy game at a ground where Cheltenham have been beaten 3-1 and 4-3 in their previous two visits, was an indication that the team is in safe hands under Milton's guidance and there is no need to rush into the next managerial appointment.
A new lease of life for Kevin Dawson
Milton's bold half-time changes had the desired effect.
Manny Duku benefitted from having Jones alongside him in attack and Dawson played with renewed vigour on the right.
The Irishman was told he was surplus to requirements at the end of last season, which is bound to affect a player's confidence.
But he could now be given a new lease of life and based on the evidence of the second half at the Abbey Stadium, he is far from finished in a Cheltenham shirt.
Sam Jones makes immediate impact
The all-important goal arrived in the 66th minute, with Ryan Broom sending the ball forward and Duku brushing off George Taft and Louis John before seeing a shot blocked by David Forde.
The ball fell to Jones, who calmly took a touch with his right foot and then applied a calm left footed finish past defender Brad Halliday on the line.
Jones also flattened a defender or two and generally made a nuisance of himself.
He only met his new team mates on Friday morning, but the early signs are that the 26-year-old will be a useful addition during his initial six month loan spell from Shrewsbury Town.
Chris Hussey shines on his full debut
After his substitute appearance at Macclesfield Town last Tuesday, left-back Hussey was handed his first start since joining Cheltenham from Sheffield United on a two year deal in the summer.
He received the ball from Maddox in the eighth minute, glided down the left, cut inside past a defender and saw a shot deflected behind for a corner.
It was an glimpse of the quality and composure that has seen him play regularly in the Championship.
He was never likely to play for the whole game after a lengthy absence and he was taken off and replaced by former Leicester City youngster Joshua Debayo in the 74th minute, feeling some discomfort in his groin after a summer operation.
But he has already shown enough to suggest he could be a key player and keeping him fit and available for selection is going to be vital because when he is on song, there is no doubt he belongs at a higher level.
Cheltenham can now approach their Carabao Cup second round tie at Brentford on Tuesday night with some of the pressure lifted and further new signings imminent before the loan deadline on August 31.
Latest Cheltenham Town news
Cambridge United (4-4-2): D Forde; B Halliday, L John, G Taft, J Carroll (R Lambe 79); L O’Neil (D Amoo 49), G Deegan, J Brown, G Maris; A Azeez (H Dunk 70), J Ibehre. Subs not used: D Mitov, E Osadebe, H Darling, L Davies.
Cheltenham Town (4-5-1): S Flinders; J Forster, J Mullins, W Boyle, C Hussey (J Debayo 74); L McAlinden (K Dawson 46), C Thomas (S Jones 46), N Atangana, R Broom, J Maddox; M Duku. Subs not used: R Lovett, B Tozer, A Addai, G Lloyd.
Referee: M Donohue.
Attendance: 3,660 (140 from Cheltenham).
Star Man: Johnny Mullins.
