POST-MATCH REACTION: SHAUN DERRY
Cambridge United Manager Shaun Derry wants the U’s to soak up everything they can from a wet afternoon in Crawley which ended in a disappointing 1-0 defeat in Sky Bet League Two.
A first half goal from Red Devils’ Matt Harrold split the sides at the Checkatrade.com Stadium and although the U’s boss admitted his frustration, he maintains his side most continue to be positive.
Derry said: “You learn more when your back is against the wall and things aren’t going your way. Obviously it’s great when we are taking the plaudits, but it’s now you learn the most.
“There were fine margins in the game and both teams produced a level of display that meant there weren’t many chances created and not much quality going into the 18 yard box.
“It was a difficult afternoon pitch wise, with the rain swirling and the wind blazing through the stadium, but we didn’t play the conditions properly.”
He continued: “I don’t feel we deserved to win the game but I did think we deserved something over the course of 95 minutes. We haven’t and didn’t last week either so now we are looking for more than just a verbal response but by actions. I’m looking for progressive footballers for a progressive football club.
“We know where we want to go, we have great backing behind us and we are disappointed by the two losses, but we still have 60 points to play for.
“We have Luton next week which is a fantastic opportunity for us to really produce a performance that we all crave.”
One positive Derry did take from the tussle was the return of goalkeeper Will Norris in a Cambridge United jersey, having ended the 22-year old’s loan with National League outfit Braintree Town.
He commented: “Having trained for us every day during my time at the club, Will has stood out as a great goalkeeper.
“He produced some outstanding performances for Braintree and has been one of their key men having got a number of clean sheets, so it’s great to have him back as our goalkeeper.
“Braintree have been very understanding and I want him to stake a claim to be our number one goalkeeper. Going forward I am looking forward to working with him more.”