Harvey Knibbs, Sam Smith and Joey Ironside draw praise after Cambridge United’s FA Cup replay success over Northampton Town
Mark Bonner was full of praise for Cambridge United’s attacking trio after their 3-1 win over Northampton Town in the FA Cup, first round replay.
Harvey Knibbs and Sam Smith were on target, while Joey Ironside contributed two assists. The U's scoring was completed by Ben Worman.
It was Knibbs that set the ball rolling in the 13th minute, netting from close range after Ironside had headed down Harrison Dunk's cross.
“I thought our front three were excellent,” said United head coach Bonner.
“He (Knibbs) is in and around the six-yard box, he scores tap-ins all the time - that’s not by coincidence.
“He might have scored one or two more. He worked the goalie well in the second half.”
Smith got his third goal in his last three games, scoring in the 40th minute with a rebound after Northampton keeper Liam Roberts had done well to keep out the striker's initial header from Ben Worman's cross.
“I thought Sam Smith worked his socks off,” said Bonner.
“The best moment of the game for me is when he is chasing back half the pitch to tackle someone on the halfway line, zings a diagonal to Knibbsy who does great and makes the goalie make a really good save - that was really effective from them. I think he is doing really well. He has adjusted to life with us brilliantly and I’m really pleased with the level of performance he is bringing.”
There may not have been a goal for Ironside, but his header set up Knibbs' first-half effort and he also laid on Worman's goal.
“I thought Joey’s performance was outstanding, bringing others into play, assisting goals, a threat constantly in his hold up play,” said Bonner.
“I thought it was a brilliant centre forward’s performance, and I thought Knibbsy’s was great as well and gave real energy to us.”
Bonner highlighted the patience and work-rate of Knibbs, who has had to bide his time for a chance in the first team this season.
“He deserves it because he has worked his socks off and he is a great lesson to everybody else in the team of what it’s like when you’re out of the team as he deals with his disappointment brilliantly,” said Bonner.
“He does his work on the training ground, he’s an enthusiastic character - I absolutely love that in him - and he is a perfect example of what you need to be when you’re not in the team; wait for your moment and take it when it comes. He’s been great.”
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