POST-MATCH: JOE DUNNE
Joe Dunne was pleased to have seen the U’s produce a professional display against Basingstoke Town at the Abbey Stadium and progress into the Emirates FA Cup Second Round.
A close range header from Jeff Hughes during the first half and a clean sheet was enough for United to move into the next stage of the competition.
Speaking post-match, Dunne commented: “As we saw last night with the game at Salford and I’m sure there are one or two more games this weekend, it is all about getting through these games.
“We have done that today and we should be pleased that we are in the next round. I thought after a very dynamic first half, we lost a little bit of impetus in the second half.
“We probably needed that second goal to settle us down and we had plenty of chances to get that goal and maybe even a third or fourth. There was a slight edginess, but that is understandable given the circumstances and what we can be proud of is that we didn’t concede.
“Overall it is a win and we move on.”
The Irishman reflected positively on the U’s determination to clinch their place in Monday evening’s draw, and credited a plucky Basingstoke outfit that pushed United for the full 90 minutes.
“Their goalkeeper had an outstanding game and credit to Basingstoke because they knew the difficulty they would face in conceding the second goal. They hung on in the first half and got themselves together in the second half, and it became a real old fashioned cup tie.
“On any given day when two teams meet like that, it is about winning.
“Although there wasn’t great quality, there was a lot of endeavour and sometimes that wins you games. I thought in the second half that was what won us the game today.”