POST-MATCH: SHAUN DERRY
Cambridge United Manager Shaun Derry was frustrated following a 2-1 defeat to Portsmouth on Saturday, but states a quick turnaround in games provides a perfect chance to respond.
Speaking post-match the U’s boss gave a frank assessment of his side’s display, he said: “It was a big disappointment for us and the manner of performance was not befitting of what we have become accustomed to.
“When the performances are right, you earn points, but we aren’t pleased with the performance this. We had too many players that were off their game.
“Goals change games and the first goal in particular was very frustrating because the game plan had been working well up to that point.
“Portsmouth are top side in this division and we couldn’t afford to play in that way if we wanted to take a result from the game.”
A late consolation goal for United courtesy of a Mark Roberts and Luke Berry combination, gave the U’s hope during the dying embers of the tussle at Fratton Park.
Despite not being able to claw back another to level the scoreline on the south coast, Derry feels Cambridge will need to carry that momentum into Tuesday night’s fixture against Wycombe Wanderers at the Abbey Stadium.
He said: “The resolve we showed in the final five minutes is the positive we can take from the game, and we’ll look to carry that forward into our next match.
“We are pleased to have such a quick turnaround in games as it gives us an opportunity to bounce back. As we did last weekend, we must continue the trend of responding well, although Wycombe will again prove to be a very difficult task.
“Nothing is decided at this stage of the season though and there are still plenty of games left to play.”
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