Cambridge United boss Neil Harris bemoans lack of second and third goal in 1-1 draw with Barnsley in League One

Neil Harris conceded that his Cambridge United side were made to pay for failing to add to their lead during this afternoon’s 1-1 draw at Barnsley.

The U’s broke the deadlock during the first half at Oakwell through James Brophy and they remained largely in control of the League One contest.

However, having seen chances go begging, Harris’ men were pegged back in second-half stoppage time by Jonathan Lewis’ equaliser.

The result has left United second from bottom in the table with a hefty gap of 12 points to safety.

Harris said: “We were so close, weren’t we? I’ve just said to the players that I don’t need to go in and rant to them or to you guys. I’m not going to criticise the players today. Outstanding.

“We played with real structure and discipline. We set them up to be different and counter-attack.

“We scored a really good goal and could have got a second before half time. But it just shows if you don’t get that second and third goal when you get the chance, it comes back to bite you.

“I didn’t feel any danger, other than the clock – there was no danger that they were going to score against us.

“It hurts, and it’s a real blow for the group and the fans that have travelled, but there is so much to be proud of in the performance.

“Barnsley had more of the ball, but it was just sideways and backwards. In terms of opportunities on goal, we were miles in front.

“It looked like a game that we were just going to see out, and if anything, nick the second goal. There was so much to admire about the performance.”

Meanwhile, Barnsley’s caretaker manager Conor Hourihane added: “It’s good how we finished. We kept at it and kept going, which is pleasing.

“Full credit, in my opinion, goes to the academy lads. It was refreshing to see – they excited me – but we need to see more from the older lads, and I’ve told them that.

“The early goal kills the match plan in terms of they sat back and they’ve got something to hold on to. It’s a poor goal from our point of view to give away.

“Ninety per cent of the crowd stayed behind afterwards and clapped because they had a bit of a go at the end. I’ve just told the lads in there that’s the effort they want to see.”

Cambridge will return to the Cledara Abbey Stadium next Saturday when they take on Northampton Town.