Cambridge United boss Neil Harris talks up team’s ‘fighting chance’ of League One survival after Sullay Kaikai scores winning goal at Huddersfield Town

Neil Harris has praised the ‘character’ that his Cambridge United players showed away at Huddersfield Town this afternoon to give themselves a ‘fighting chance’ of retaining their League One status.

When the hosts’ Josh Koroma cancelled out James Brophy opener in the 89th minute at the John Smith’s Stadium, the live league table had the U’s seven points from safety with only three fixtures remaining.

Their fate was all but sealed at that point, but in the second minute of stoppage time they gave themselves some hope courtesy of Sullay Kaikai’s winning strike.

There is, of course, still a lot that needs to go in Cambridge’s favour if they are to pull off another great escape from relegation.

But Harris was nevertheless pleased to see that his side, who are now five points adrift of 21st-placed Burton Albion, have not thrown in the towel.

“It takes some character because that (the equaliser) could have knocked the stuffing out of us. That could have been our season done, there and then in that moment – not mathematically, but pretty much done,” said Harris.

“To bounce back like we did shows that the players are fighting. I’ve said all along – I wrote it in my programme notes before Charlton – my players will fight to the end.

“I’ve only ever asked for a fighting chance going into the last three games of the season – we’ve give ourselves a fighting chance.”

The attention will now quickly switch to Monday’s visit of a Leyton Orient side that have just broken into the play-off positions.

Looking ahead to that clash at the Cledara Abbey Stadium, Harris added: “We’ve got a huge game on Monday and a quick turnaround against an Orient side that have just got into the top six.

“We know they’re going to come fighting and scrapping so it’s going to be a monumental game.

“I can’t praise the players highly enough, but it means nothing if we don’t go and follow it up on Monday with a positive performance.

“Let's prepare diligently and hope we do ourselves proud again.”