Post-match reaction from Shaun Derry
Shaun Derry says there are plenty of positives the U’s can take from a gritty display against Oxford United at the Kassam Stadium this afternoon.
Cambridge were eventually reconciled to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of their classy opponents, with a first half goal from Ryan Taylor proving to be the difference, despite a late flurry of chances for the U’s to level the scores.
Having defended valiantly for long periods in the match to keep themselves within touching distance of the home side, Derry stated he was proud of his side’s resolve in the clash which gives them a foundation from which to build on.
“I felt there were a lot of positive performances today and I had some tough decisions to make as the Manager,” he said.
“It was a tough fixture and we all knew this would be an incredibly difficult game.
“However I’m not sure many clubs will come here and put Oxford on the back foot during the final 10 or 15 minutes like we did, granted it was not silky, fast flowing football that we would like to play. But we did affect the game and I was pleased that the team were able to do that.”
He continued: “Many teams would have folded under the pressure that Oxford put on us, but we didn’t because we put our bodies on the line and defended for our lives. We found a way to stay in the game.
“It is important that we have that resolve if we want to move forward.”
The new United boss was also happy to have seen the Amber Army travel in great numbers to the Kassam Stadium, with 568 making the journey cross country to support the U’s.
Derry admits to already eyeing up his first appearance at the Abbey Stadium next Saturday when United return to Sky Bet league Two action against Accrington Stanley.
“I can’t wait, I really am full of excitement,” he said.
“I was absolutely delighted to see the number of supporters that travelled to the game today. It was fantastic to see them in the ground and they are why I want this football club to be moving forward together.
“The support they have shown to the players is brilliant and long may that continue.”