BONNER BEAMS AS U’S PARK THE BUS
CAMBRIDGE boss Mark Bonner hailed his side’s defensive display as they held promotion chasing Plymouth to a goalless draw.
The hosts dominated much of the proceedings but the in-form visitors were able to keep them scoreless.
And Bonner was left praising his side’s resoluteness at the back.
“That is the hardest-fought clean sheet we have had,” he said.
“We played a top team and put in a resolute, strong performance. To get in at half-time 0-0 was a real challenge for us. We got really stretched in the first half, far more than by any team has stretched us, but we expected that.
“They have got the best player in the league in Danny Mayor. He caused us problems all afternoon but to keep a clean sheet, to defend our box as well as we did, was outstanding.
“And to carry a bit more of a threat as the game went on was pleasing. We thought we should have had a penalty in the first half. But overall it is a top result.
“We have had to hold out in the end and the boys are absolutely dead on their feet. They are buzzing with a point but they didn’t have the energy to show it.”
Argyle should have been ahead by the break but Samir Carruthers headed off the line as central defender Niall Canavan’s header looped over Cambridge keeper Callum Burton from Antoni Sarcevic’s corner.
Burton then made a superb pointblank save to deny Argyle striker Byron Moore as he looked set to open his account after 28 minutes.
United had penalty appeals waved away by referee Will Finnie as Canavan tumbled United targetman Paul Mullin just before half-time.
And the visitors came closest to scoring after half-time when Reggie Lambe put Idris El Mizouni’s cross inches past a post.
Argyle’s best second-half effort came late on as substitute George Cooper’s 20-yard free-kick shaved a post.
Argyle boss Ryan Lowe was frustrated by the lack of a clinical edge.
“There are 12 games to go. It’s a point in the right direction and a point further towards where we want to be,” he said.
“It was a boring 0-0 if you like but it wasn’t for the lack of trying. Our lads have put everything into it to try and get the three points.
“But again – with all due respect – Cambridge have come here for a draw and to keep the back door shut.
“Could we have been a little bit better in breaking them down earlier on? Yes, of course, but it’s not for the lack of trying. We could have done with that clinical edge but it’s a clean sheet and if you can’t win them then you certainly don’t want to lose them.”