Monk: Our hard work is showing
FORTNIGHT’S TRAINING GROUND SESSIONS PAY OFF FOR U’S AT BARNSLEY
CAMBRIDGE United head coach Garry Monk reflected on a “pleasing day” for his side as they claimed a 2-0 victory at Barnsley on Good Friday.
Mael de Gevigney’s first-half own goal gave the U’s a half-time lead at Oakwell, before Gassan Ahadme’s header after the break secured United a much-needed victory away to their promotion-chasing hosts.
The result was United’s first win in eight matches and Monk’s first victory since taking charge, as the U’s bounced back from heavy defeats to Lincoln City and Reading in impressive fashion.
“Of course we are [pleased with the win]. The three points most importantly, because what we’re after is three points,” Monk said.
“I was just really focused and interested today.
“We’ve had two weeks to work on stuff for this particular game, and I was interested to see the level of fight that goes with it, and I think we got all of that today.
“I was really pleased, because the last two weeks, we’ve worked extremely hard.
“When you’re in a moment of lower confidence, you need something like this, you need a performance like this, you need certain things in games to go for you, and obviously you need a result don’t you.
“It’s something to build on, but I was really pleased for everyone today.
“In terms of the level of performance, it’s much more within the realms of what we’re all looking for isn’t it.
“I’m delighted for the players, obviously the travelling fans, giving them a better trip home is obviously important compared to their last couple. Overall, a pleasing day.”
The result moves United onto 42 points from 39 League One matches played, with the U’s remaining three points above the relegation zone with seven games of the season left to play.
United now have a quick turnaround to their next game as they host Wigan Athletic on Easter Monday, and Monk is eager to see his side back up that performance in their next fixture at the Abbey.
“I think the most important bit is, yeah it’s a great day today, but we need more,” the head coach added. “Obviously we’ve got a game on Monday. We’ve set the standard today, you need to be able to back this up.
“I said to the lads ‘great, brilliant, everything that we’ve done is deserved’.
“We needed this after the two weeks we’ve just put in, so I’m really pleased with that.
“Obviously we might have to tweak tactically a few things [for
Monday’s game], because it’s a different team we’re going to play against, but if we don’t back that up, then I kind of feel like what’s the point of today?
“I’m probably ending on a bit of a sour note there, but overall, I’m really, really pleased.”
We needed this after the two weeks we’ve just put in.
Garry Monk