Fear factor to blame, says Cambridge boss Derry after Stags draw

Cambridge United boss Shaun Derry felt it was the fear factor of losing the final game of the season that saw Mansfield Town and the U's battle out a tame 0-0 draw with few chances at either end yesterday.
Mansfield Town v Cambridge Utd.
Fans and players celebrate the last game of the season at the One Call Stadium.Mansfield Town v Cambridge Utd.
Fans and players celebrate the last game of the season at the One Call Stadium.
Mansfield Town v Cambridge Utd. Fans and players celebrate the last game of the season at the One Call Stadium.

Both sides missed out on the play-offs late on in the season, United only last weekend, and former Notts County boss Derry said: “It was a difficult week.

“Those that follow football staunchly, as we do, will see results today and that four, five and six goals have been hit, and that happens when you haven’t got a lot to play for in the last game of the season.

Click HERE to read the match report

Click HERE to read Stags boss Adam Murray’s views

“We didn’t want that to be the case and, to be fair, nor did Mansfield and I think that’s why it was such a cagey game with not a lot of quality in it.

“Nobody wanted to really come out of the traps and take the game to the opposition, and that’s the disappointment that we didn’t end with a win, which we’d have loved to do and be the best of the rest.

“We were eighth up until the 87th minute when (Leyton) Orient scored in their game, but all in all we’ve all got a lot to be proud and happy about this season.

“I’m really pleased we’re eight unbeaten going into next season and I think that’s a really, really massive bonus for us.

“Mansfield’s not an easy place to come and up until a few weeks ago they were right up there in it (the play-off race). They’ve got a really tough side that’s hard to break down.

“I think the emotional aspects of last week maybe caught up with us.”

Derry added: “I’m really pleased, as are Will (Norris) and the back four with another clean sheet.

“We had to make a change at half-time as Josh (Coulson) was suffering with a bit of concussion, and (Mark) Roberts has gone on there and defended really well.

“There were lots of positives, but we all want to win. The numbers we travelled with again was phenomenal, the best part of 600 people.

“I was really down last week and it took me a while to get over the disappointment, but I’m looking forward now to next season.”