DERRY BUOYED BY MANSFIELD PERFORMANCE

Shaun Derry felt the U’s produced a “big performance” against a tough Mansfield Town side and were unfortunate not to have claimed the three points at the One Call Stadium.

United were held to a goalless draw by the Stags on Saturday afternoon, but looked to be the outfit far more likely to clinch the win in the Sky Bet League Two affair.

Assessing the clash, Derry commented: “It was a big performance for us against a very tough side in Mansfield, who were well drilled and very direct but we played some great football.

“We just lacked that killer instinct to give us a goal that would have won the match. That will come and we’re pleased with a good display and slightly disappointed not to have taken the three points.

“You get certain moments in the match where you look to be the team on top and in those moments we weren’t quite clinical enough.

“However, the overall display was pleasing and that was the result of a number of excellent individual performances, none more so than Brad Halliday. He was brilliant on his debut and we are confident that is just a sign of things to come in the future.

“At times he had an almost telepathic understanding with Piero Mingoia and that’s great for us going forward.

He continued: “In terms of looking ahead, we now have a squad of 22 players who are fit and all in contention to take up a place in the side.

“We had a really strong performance at Shrewsbury where we picked up the first clean sheet of the season and I’m delighted we have followed that up with another clean sheet against Mansfield.”