Mark Bonner impressed by Cambridge United work ethic and energy in friendly win over Ipswich Town

Mark Bonner was encouraged by the work ethic and energy from Cambridge United in their 1-0 pre-season win over Ipswich Town.

The U’s have only been back in training four weeks, but the clash with the Tractor Boys was their final warm-up match before Carabao Cup and EFL Trophy games lead into the start of the Sky Bet League Two season on September 12.

New signing Paul Digby scored the only goal of the game in the second half, and while Bonner was keen not to read too much into the friendly win, there were elements that he will be taking away as positives, including the work-rate and organisation.

“They are two qualities that I wouldn’t mind having thrown at us throughout the season,” said the U’s head coach.

“It’s got to be the team we become really, organised to stop the other team having their way against us.

“The work ethic and energy was very good, and our intensity was very good as well.

“I thought we were fairly good value. We had a lot of set plays in the first half, and we used the ball quite well, and some of our counter-attacking at times was excellent as well.

“We were pleased with the goal, and we should have perhaps made better use of a couple of other moments.

“Overall, where we are at the moment, four weeks in there is plenty of encouraging signs there. And on the other side of the coin, there is a lot we need to do to improve and to make sure the team we’re starting to become, is the team we do become.

“I think we’ve got a group of players there that just want to get better and improve. No-one is getting carried away, we’ve got some serious challenges ahead this season and we know how much better we can be.

“It’s been a big part of our recruitment and the players we’ve retained - we’ve got characters with drive and ambition, and the levels we’ve set previously need to be bettered. It’s some encouraging signs, but lots to do still.”

It was hard not to get drawn by the performance of Digby in central midfield.

He was robust in the challenge, but equally as impressive was his engine and vocal nature.

His goal was created by Paul Mullin, who struck the post on a counter-attack, but the box-to-box style saw Digby on hand to tuck away the rebound having been defending a corner only 20 seconds previously.

“Paul has made a good difference to us,” said Bonner. “He has given us a really good authority and presence in the middle of the pitch.

“He is a fit boy, powerful and a fantastic leader as well, which is something we’ve missed so we’re really happy to have him.”