POST-MATCH REACTION: Shaun Derry
Cambridge United Manager Shaun Derry praised the quality of performance from the U’s to defeat Dagenham & Redbridge 0-3 on Boxing Day.
The U’s produced a classy second half display to blow away their opponents at Victoria Road, with Robbie Simpson and Barry Corr on the score sheet for United.
Derry felt despite a “tough” first half against the Daggers, his side performed at the right levels during the crucial stages of the game to secure their fourth win in five Sky Bet League Two games.
“We displayed our quality at the right times in the right areas of the football pitch,” he said.
“I expect the intensity and work rate from the players to work hard in training and in matches as a minimum. Today was about the quality. We had enough quality and were clinical at the right times in the game.
“The first 45 minutes were tough and Dagenham were all playing for their future, with a new manager coming in imminently and we knew it was going to be a difficult up and at it League Two fixture. It was exactly that.
“There was a lack of quality shown by both sides in the first half, but we kept ourselves well in the game and nothing is won or lost in the first half. The second half performance definitely justified the result because I thought it was full of quality.”
Commenting on a brace of goals for Robbie Simpson, whom Derry introduced to the game following an ankle problem for Ryan Donaldson shortly after half-time, he added: “Robbie made a great impact and he got his rewards.
“In the last eight weeks he hasn’t played a lot of football but every single day he has shown the right attitude and his commitment to Cambridge United.
“As a player you have to do that because those that sacrifice the most get the bigger rewards.”
United have little time to celebrate the three points in London, with Barnet visiting the Abbey Stadium in two days’ time for the final match of 2015. However, Derry says that the U’s will be looking to make the occasion extra special for the Amber Army.
“We want to reward the fans who have been absolutely right behind me and the team since I joined the club.
“To look over our shoulders today and to see the best part of 1,000 people supporting on Boxing Day is remarkable. They got right behind the boys and we’re all thankful for that.
“So for our last game of 2015 at the Abbey Stadium, we want to put on a show and we want to win.”
Tickets for the Barnet match at the Abbey Stadium (K.O. 3:00pm) are available online by clicking here now.