Intensity and energy stand out for Bonner in Cambridge United's outstanding display against Forest Green Rovers

Mark Bonner was thrilled with the manner of Cambridge United’s 1-0 win at home to League Two promotion rivals Forest Green.

The United boss believes his side’s sensational display against Rovers set the standard they need to aspire to during the run-in following a victory secured by Wes Hoolahan’s slick first-half finish.

He said: “That’s the level we’ve hit that we’ve got to try to maintain because there were parts of the performance that were outstanding. Particularly in the first half, I thought we were brilliant.

“Real energy, real intensity, good pressing and we used the ball well and caused them lots of problems. We definitely deserved to go in leading at half time and perhaps should have gone in further ahead.

“Forest Green are a really good side and as the game goes on, they get more attacking players on the pitch and cause you problems.

“When they get moving the ball, finding the space and stretching the pitch, it’s hard to contain them, as we found in the early part of the second half for a spell until we blocked it up and saw it out.

“It’s an important three points and a good result. Maybe it gives us some belief against the top sides coming up, but for us, it’s nine more games and we’ve got to keep finding our best level as often as we can.”

Bonner hopes having another week without a midweek game will pay dividends in terms of their preparation for Saturday’s trip to Carlisle.

He said: “We’ve had a very busy run, but we had a week on the training ground last week and it showed. Our aim is to do the same again with a full week up to Carlisle.”