POST-VILLA: SHAUN DERRY
Cambridge United Manager Shaun Derry looks ahead to the season opener against Barnet on Saturday 6th August, after Aston Villa fixture.The U’s were defeated 3-0 by Roberto Di Matteo’s side in their final pre-season fixture at the Cambs Glass Stadium on Tuesday night, but showed glimpses of positive play, particularly in the second half where they matched their higher ranked opponents.
Reflecting on the tussle, Derry commented: “We were caught very early in the game, with a great finish for their third goal and a disappointing response by conceding the second so soon after.
“At 2-0 down the dynamics changed in the match, but we managed to find a foothold in the game, and created a number of good chances of our own.
“In all honesty we probably showed Aston Villa a little too much respect. We should have been slightly braver with a higher press, but we’ll respond from that and learn what we can.
“We’ll certainly take a lot of positives from the second half, where we matched Aston Villa for large spells, albeit we conceded another goal towards the end of the game. I would much rather we concede those types of goals in pre-season than on 6th August against Barnet.”
The United boss states that the focus now switches towards the season opener against the Bees at the Cambs Glass Stadium next Saturday, with a ten day period giving the U’s ample time to ready themselves for the new campaign.
“The fitness levels have increased throughout pre-season, everyone has had a good amount of minutes so we are as prepared as we can be for that opening day of the season.
“We’ll take the pre-season as it is, in terms of how far we have come in the last month, and continue to work cleverly over the next ten days as we all look forward to the Barnet game.
“We had nearly 4,000 supporters in the ground this evening which made it a great occasion and I’m sure they’ll turn out in even larger numbers next week.”
Tickets for the Barnet game are on sale now online, in-store and by calling 01223 566 500.
Meanwhile U’s fans can still secure their place for the entire season by securing a season ticket at the Cambs Glass Stadium. Click here for more information on how to buy today.