Accrington boss John Coleman happy to look up after beating Cambridge

Posted Sunday, February 25, 2018 by PA

Stanley boss John Coleman is not getting carried away despite his side moving towards leaders Luton after their 1-0 win over Cambridge.

Kayden Jackson was the goal hero against Cambridge, firing home in the 57th minute after challenging with George Taft for the ball, winning it and then turning and firing home. It was Jackson’s 13th goal of a prolific season.

Stanley didn’t create many chances while Cambridge were unlucky as Liam O’Neil hit the crossbar and top scorer Uche Ikpeazu was clean through but was denied by the legs of keeper Aaron Chapman.

“We started the game well but give Cambridge their due they then enjoyed a spell of pressure and created chances and hit the crossbar,” said Coleman, with his side in second spot, three points behind the Hatters.

“We got the goal, Kayden showed great strength and composure to put the ball in the net, and it was always going to be scrappy.

“It was a battling performance from us, it wasn’t always pretty and there are different ways of winning. This was more of a fighting show, we showed a lot of spirit in the second half.

“We had to dig in as it could have gone either way.

“We are only looking up, there are going to be a lot of twists and turns along the way and all we can do is keep trying to win.”

Cambridge caretaker boss Joe Dunne was disappointed after his side had won their last three games to charge towards the play-offs but he was proud of his side’s performance.

“We nullified a top team and we could have scored three times, on another day we could have won.

“I was pleased with the performance, there is no criticism of the players, they were magnificent. We are disappointed with the goal as we felt there was a foul in the build-up which is difficult to take but we never let our heads go down.

“We showed effort, commitment and passion and gave our all. We nullified two of the most potent strikers in the league.

“We came here to win and could easily have done that but all credit to Accrington, they are a top side.

“What we have to do is focus on the positives and pick ourselves up and be ready to go again next week against Luton.”