DERRY: “WE FOUND A WAY TO WIN”

POST-MATCH: Shaun Derry

Manager Shaun Derry was delighted that the U’s discovered a way to unravel Barnet in the second half at the Abbey Stadium in their final Sky Bet League Two clash of 2015.

Luke Berry and Barry Corr both struck with 20 minutes left to play to flip the score line with the U’s trailing from a John Akinde goal, and Derry assessed the grit and determination shown by his side when speaking to the post-match press.

He said: “You really can win in many ways, we have won by playing really well in recent weeks and we have won in the way that we have seen today. We found a way of winning.

“It didn’t go our way at all and the game plan we set out before the game was tough and we knew we were up against a very stern opponent in Barnet, who were on the back of a good win on Boxing Day as well.

“We took our chances at the most crucial times in the game. The manner in which we scored our goals was good because there will be times in the season where those games don’t go our way. 

“We’ll be able to look on afternoons like this and say to ourselves we affected that game when we weren’t performing how we would like.”

He continued: “Whoever finishes in the top seven this season will look back and think that there were a number of ugly performances and wins, that were so important. 

“The competition is so fierce in League Two, so there is no divine right to be play how you want to play in every game.

“Overall I’m absolutely delighted with the way we have ended the year.”

The U’s were backed all the way at the Abbey Stadium by a bumper crowd of over 6,000 supporters and commenting on the outstanding attendance, Derry said: “The support has been incredible and to see so many fans turnout over Christmas, I just want to say a big thank you.

“The following we had at Dagenham and the home crowd three days after Christmas, just show what a good football club this is. I’m really proud to be the Manager, it’s been a great two months and I want it to improve. 

“I am now starting to have a real affinity with the club and I want the never say die attitude to be produced by everybody.”

The U’s return to the Abbey Stadium in Saturday to face AFC Wimbledon in the first match of 2016, with tickets available online, in-store and over the phone by calling 01223 566 500 now.