POST-MATCH: SHAUN DERRY
Cambridge United Manager Shaun Derry praised the U’s for coming through a test of character against Newport County in Sky Bet League Two, following his side’s 1-0 win at Rodney Parade.James Dunne’s second half goal moved United to within three points of the League Two play-offs with five games of the season left to play, and the U’s boss was pleased with the intelligence shown by his side to deal with a tricky situation in South Wales.
He commented: “It was a real test of character for us today and we knew that was going to be the case throughout the week. We had spoken about the state of the pitch and knew that we had to play a certain type of football to get into certain areas of the pitch where we could dictate the game, and I felt we did that.
“The intelligence that we have shown to deal with the situation is good going forward and I’m pleased for the boys.
“The goal we have scored was the result of a fluid move which was constructed really well in the right area of the pitch. And it was finished off by somebody who you are probably not expecting to be getting on the end of things.
“However, it was a good example of taking control of different situations, and our goals aren’t always going to be scored by our centre forwards. We want all our players to be attack minded, so for our goal to come from our holding midfielder is great.”
United now face back-to-back fixtures at the Abbey Stadium next week with two crucial clashes against Carlisle United and Morecambe in which they’ll look to push on for the top seven.
Derry is delighted to be returning to home soil on the back of three points and has rallied the amber army to give the U’s their best support in the coming days.
“Getting three points before back-to-back games at home was so important.
“Over the next two games, we’ll hopefully have a full house at the Abbey Stadium and we need the supporters to get right behind us.
“We are desperate to play the last five games to our full maximum. We are still in the pack!”
Tickets for both the Carlisle United and Morecambe fixtures are available online and in-store now.