POST-MATCH: SHAUN DERRY
Manager Shaun Derry gave an honest assessment following Cambridge United’s 1-1 draw with Hartlepool United at the Abbey Stadium.
Although the U’s boss was disappointed with the opening hour, he was pleased to see his side ramp up the energy in the final quarter of the match, with Ben Williamson’s late strike earning them a draw.
He said: “It was a frustrating afternoon and I thought the first half was scrappy, with too many stoppages in the game. We couldn’t get any kind of rhythm going.
“I never felt we played to our full maximum up until the closing stages of the game where the substitutes made a positive change.
“We just needed to take the game to the opposition to generate an atmosphere, get the game going and the fans at the Abbey Stadium behind us, which we never really did in the opening hour.
“It’s a positive that we are fit and strong enough to produce that burst of energy during the latter stages of the ninety minutes, to be able to go for the result.
“In fact there were other positives to be taken from the game too, the overriding one being that we didn’t play as well as we could but we got something out of the game.”
The U’s boss was also encouraged by goalkeeper Will Norris’ Vindis Man of the Match winning performance, and added: “It was a great display and Will has really impressed me.
“We should keep a watchful eye on him because his development will take place pretty rapidly in my opinion.
“I’m sure he’ll be great for the football club going forward.”
Looking ahead to next weekend’s clash at Leyton Orient, Derry is keen for the U’s to push on and not only produce an improved performance but one that can result in a victory.
“We have picked up a point at Luton and the same again this week at home, but now we want to win.
“The performance last week was good, we got a point today but I want a bit of both next week. That’s what we will all be striving for.”