PRE-MATCH INTERVIEW: SHAUN DERRY
Ahead of Cambridge United’s tussle with League Two leaders Northampton Town this weekend, Manager Shaun Derry states he’ll be looking for a performance containing better quality from his side at the Sixfields Stadium.With the U’s finely poised, three points outside the League Two play-offs, a result against the Cobblers would see United take a major step towards a top seven finish but the Cambridge boss is under no illusions about the difficulty of the task in hand.
He said: “Saturday will require a Cambridge United team that is full of energy and endeavour. But we are also looking for a bit more quality from what we have seen in the last few games.
“The game against Wycombe was not the nicest game to watch but it culminated in three points which were invaluable to us. We want to produce a bit more quality on the ball this weekend.
“Without a doubt the team have responded positively this week on the training field as is always the case. We didn’t get the desired result last weekend, but the boys brought their disappointment in on Monday morning and have channelled it accordingly.”
“It will be a great game in front of a full house. We’ll be taking the best part of 1,000 fans, which is once again remarkable. When players have the chance to play in grounds that are packed to the rafters, it more often than not brings out the best in them. I want them to be energised, invigorated and ready for the game.”
United triumphed 2-1 when the two sides met earlier in the season at the Abbey Stadium, but Derry feels the Cobblers pose a different threat this weekend, whilst also identifying a number of aspects in which the U’s have developed.
“Northampton now are a very different side to the team that lost at the Abbey Stadium earlier in the season, they have had a tough time with the club takeover and an influx of better players during January which coincides with the run they have been on.
“We are a different team as well, and we have so much to play for with 11 games left to go. I’m excited by what this group of players can potentially go on to achieve, whether that is this season or next season. We always have one eye on the future.
“The progression all around the club has been very encouraging, that includes the training ground, the recruitment and all those people that work hard behind the scenes and probably don’t get the recognition they deserve. It is a very exciting time for Cambridge United.”
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