Ryan Lowe: Hard-earned point for Argyle

Posted Sunday, February 23, 2020 by PA

Plymouth boss Ryan Lowe believes the 0-0 draw with Cambridge at Home Park was a point well earned for Argyle.

The draw ended Cambridge’s four-match winning streak and U’s boss Mark Bonner had no complaints as his side edged up to 11th thanks to some resolute first-half defending.

Lowe – whose side stay fourth – said: “There are 12 games to go. It’s a point in the right direction and a point further towards where we want to be.

“It was a boring nil-nil if you like but it wasn’t for the lack of trying.

“I think our lads have put everything into it to try and get the three points.

“We’ve certainly done that from the sidelines in putting players on, to create more chances and more opportunities.

“But again – with all due respect – Cambridge have come here for a draw and to keep the back door shut and they’ve done that.

“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 want to win our home games as much as we possibly can but when teams come here to settle for a point and not to be beaten then we need to make sure we do a little bit better next time.

“We could have done with that clinical edge but it’s another clean sheet and if you can’t win them then you certainly don’t want to lose them.

“Mark (Bonner) is doing a fantastic job there, they are the in-form team in the league.”

Bonner admitted: “That is the hardest-fought clean sheet we have had.

“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 found it hard to press them high up the pitch and found it hard to deal with their overload.

“What we did do, we scrambled and defended the goal well, we cleared one off the line and we have earned our clean sheet.

“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.”