The U’s know victory at Crewe next weekend will see them promoted. Conversely, Barrow slipped to the bottom of the table and must beat Newport next weekend to have any chance of preserving their EFL status.

The result was in little doubt from the moment Cambridge went ahead in the 34th minute when Dom Ball’s cross was nodded back across goal by Liam Bennett, allowing Ben Knight to fire home.

Knight sent a big chance over before half-time, then after the break goalkeeper Wyll Stanway made an important stop to deny James Brophy after he had been slipped in by Knight.

The second goal had been coming and finally arrived in spectacular style in the 57th minute, with James Gibbons steadying himself before thumping an unstoppable strike past Stanway from distance.

It was followed by a third 16 minutes from time when Adam Mayor’s corner caught out Stanway, who could only help the ball into his own net.