Cambridge ‘warranted three points’ after stalemate at Northampton

Cambridge boss Garry Monk insisted his side “warranted three points” after Saturday’s League One goalless draw with Northampton.

A poor game was marred by horrible conditions as rain and wind swept through Sixfields throughout, hindering both teams’ efforts to wrestle control and create chances.

Cambridge did have the best opportunity when Elias Kachunga was thwarted by a brilliant defensive block late on.

“The conditions dictated the game and it was not the most thrilling game but I thought we gave an excellent performance,” said Monk.

“We were the dominant side in terms of creating opportunities and territory. The only thing missing was the ball hitting the net.

“We were solid and we did the basics well and I felt our performance warranted three points but we didn’t take our chances and if you can’t win, make sure you don’t lose and it’s another point.

“The weather obviously plays a big role and you have to change your approach but I was really pleased with how we played, especially away from home.

“We dealt with them and in terms of territory, it was us. We had the wind in the first half and we were dominant and it was the same in the second half and we did more than enough to score a couple of goals.

“They put a bit of pressure on us at the end but it would have been criminal had we not come away with at least a point.

“We just need to be more ruthless but we won’t beat ourselves up about it because we’re doing a lot right.”

Northampton manager Jon Brady agreed that the weather played a part, saying: “I’m happy with a point but obviously the conditions really affected the match and it was quite attritional.

“A lot of the play was in the middle of the pitch and it was about winning second balls and players trying to get it under control but the pitch was so greasy and it was tough for anyone.

“We had to battle it out first and foremost and we tried to win that battle and I thought it might come for us at the end but it didn’t so we take the point.

“The boys were working very hard and we pride ourselves on working from front to back. You have to be right on your game defensively in those conditions and both teams stayed strong.

“Cambridge have only lost one in eight and that’s now one defeat in seven for us so both teams are very competitive and it was always going to be a tight game, especially when we got the conditions we did.

“It was a tough day.”